The impact of disasters on internal migration: The example of 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes

This study aims to investigate the impact of the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, which profoundly affected Turkey's southeastern region, on internal migration. Beyond causing physical destruction, these earthquakes have led to significant economic, social, demographic, and psychological consequences. The study thoroughly examines the effects of disasters on society and how these effects influence internal migration movements. The first section of the thesis explores the concept of disasters, their general characteristics, and types. The distinguishing features of natural and human-induced disasters are discussed, with a particular focus on the profound social and economic impacts of earthquakes. The concept and types of migration are addressed in the second section, where the causes of internal migration and its consequences for individuals and society are analyzed. The central focus of this study is the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, which are evaluated comprehensively in terms of their impact on the affected region, the destruction of economic activities, changes in social structures, and effects on societal psychology. Post-earthquake forced migration movements are analyzed based on field studies, official reports, and statistical data. The study examines the economic, social, and physical factors influencing earthquake victims' migration choices and assesses the adequacy of receiving systems in the regions where they relocated. The findings reveal that the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes caused large-scale internal migration, bringing challenges such as housing, labor force, infrastructure, and social cohesion to receiving areas. Additionally, population loss in the regions affected by the earthquake has weakened their economic and social structures. The study aims not only to understand the relationship between disasters and migration but also to provide recommendations for disaster management and internal migration policies to mitigate similar challenges in the future.