Public perception of earthquake experts' crisis communications; The Kahramanmaraş earthquake example

With technological advances and digitalization, the importance of access to information and expert opinions in times of crisis is increasingly evident. In this context, the public's perception of earthquake experts, one of the key actors in disaster communication, is one of the key factors directly affecting the effectiveness of crisis management. This study aims to examine the image perception of earthquake experts, specifically regarding the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş that occurred on February 6, 2023. The research was conducted between October 23 and November 23, 2024, in the provinces of Kahramanmaraş, Adıyaman, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Hatay, Elazığ, and Malatya, where individuals directly affected by the earthquake lived. Participants were selected from individuals aged 18 and over who were living in earthquake-stricken housing or tents during the post-disaster period. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a total of 20 participants, 10 female and 10 male, by selecting two to three individuals from each province. Interviews lasted an average of 30–35 minutes and were conducted using a semi-structured interview form. When developing the questions, we first reviewed previous studies and, by considering validity and reliability, adapted them to the earthquake zone. Female participants included housewives, students, teachers, healthcare personnel, tradespeople, and private sector employees, while male participants included retired civil servants, freelancers, students, teachers, police officers, coaches, drivers, engineers, and tradespeople. Qualitative descriptive and content analysis techniques were used in the study, and the data obtained were classified and evaluated by themes. According to the research findings, the vast majority of participants stated that they were knowledgeable about how to behave during an earthquake. A significant portion of this information was obtained from previous experiences or from statements made by earthquake experts. Participants particularly emphasized the vital importance of remaining calm and seeking safe areas. However, some participants stated that despite having knowledge, emotional reactions hindered their ability to make sound decisions. Differing opinions were observed among participants regarding the visibility of earthquake experts in mass media. Male participants stated that experts should be more visible, especially in the post-disaster period, while female participants emphasized that experts should be more actively involved in daily communication. Expert explanations were observed to have an impact on individual behavior, and measures such as preparing earthquake bags and securing loose objects became widespread among participants. The research revealed that the communication earthquake experts establish with the public during crisis periods directly impacts individuals' disaster preparedness levels and risk perceptions. The limited number of participants was due to the fact that one-on-one interviews were conducted in numerous provinces. It is anticipated that accessing a larger sample through surveys in future studies will enable more comprehensive analyses. In this context, it was concluded that experts should implement a more systematic and continuous communication strategy aimed at raising public awareness not only in the post-disaster period but also in the pre-disaster period.