Exploring the challenges and difficulties experienced by survivors of the Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye: Aqualitative examination

Abstract Earthquakes rank second among natural disasters, leading to thousands of deaths annually. It is commonly acknowledged that earthquakes pose various difficulties to human life; however, survivors’ challenges and problems are less well known. This research aimed to examine the challenges and difficulties faced by survivors of the 2023 earthquake in Kahramanmaras, Türkiye. Data were collected through qualitative interviews with 15 individuals affected by the earthquake. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, which led to the classification of the results into five primary categories. Accordingly, the main categories were: Psychological Impacts, Coping Strategies, Improper Management of Human and Non-human Resources, Related Problems and Solutions, and Insufficient Disaster Management. Based on findings, individuals impacted by earthquakes encounter various challenges, and appropriate support is needed. This includes addressing all dimensions of their health, enhancing social assistance and services distribution, dealing with structure-related and economic problems, and raising awareness about earthquakes for future mitigation.