The role of unit managers in disaster management process: The Adıyaman example of the february 6 earthquake

Disaster management is a critical process that requires a comprehensive approach. It aims to mitigate the destructive effects of natural phenomena and encompasses the ability of public administrators to make effective and accurate decisions and coordinate different parties during this process. This study examines the experiences of public administrators in Adıyaman province during the disaster management, response and coordination phases following the devastating earthquakes centred in Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023. To this end, the study employed qualitative research and a phenomenological design. The research sample consisted of individuals who held managerial positions in public institutions in Adıyaman Province during the earthquake, were directly involved in managing the earthquake crisis and coordinating different agencies, had at least three years' experience in public administration or disaster management, and played an active role in planning and implementing post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed to select the research sample, and data were collected from 20 participants until saturation was reached. The data were analysed using content analysis techniques. Three main themes were identified in the research: (1) institutional management and decision-making mechanisms during disasters; (2) disaster response and coordination processes; and (3) post-disaster community resilience and reconstruction. The study's findings highlighted difficulties in decision-making mechanisms during disasters, shortcomings in response and coordination, and the importance of post-disaster community resilience. Based on the findings, it was concluded that to establish a resilient system against future disasters, disaster plans must cover all possible scenarios, human resources must be supported multifariously, and urgent communication coordination must be established via mobile or integrated systems.