Flood disaster experiences of elderly individuals living in the western black sea region of Türkiye: a phenomenological study

The increase in the elderly population, the issue of flood risk management and flood preparedness stands out as an important issue that needs special attention. This study aimed to evaluate the feelings and thoughts of the elderly individuals who experienced floods in Türkiye before, during, and after the floods, and to reveal how they were affected, their vulnerability, and coping capacities. In this regard, phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. Purposive sampling techniques were used for this study. A semi-structured interview form, which was prepared by the researchers by reviewing the relevant literature and taking expert opinions, was used to collect the data. The data of the study were collected between September and October 2024. The study was carried out with 14 people based on data saturation. Within the scope of the study, three themes were created. These are (theme 1) elderly people's risk knowledge and their views on the preparation process, (theme 2) vulnerabilities and coping capacities of elderly individuals during disasters, and (theme 3) post-flood needs, social network relations, and lessons learned. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that elderly individuals were aware of local disaster hazards, but despite this, the elderly did not make individual disaster preparations. It was determined that elderly individuals do not have sufficient access to early warning messages before the flood disaster occurs. During the disaster, elderly individuals were trapped in water, exhibited risky behaviors, experienced fragility during the evacuation process, and suffered material and moral losses. In the post-disaster period, elderly individuals have some basic needs such as clean water, medicine, shelter, toilets, nutrition, clothing, and health care, and their neighbors and relatives provide support in meeting these needs. The results obtained from the study may contribute to increasing the flood response capacity for elderly individuals, a vulnerable group in disasters.