The role of international non-governmental organisations in natural disasters: The case of 6 February 2023 earthquakes

Natural disasters take life out of its usual process and make individuals in need of help. Following the disasters, individual and local aids come into play, and especially in cases of major disasters, states have to use all kinds of means. At this point, it is sometimes observed that states request support from other states, institutions and organisations due to the magnitude and negative impact of the disaster. International non-governmental organisations, which are among these institutions, operate in a comprehensive area and carry out activities in the social field in order to meet the needs of the society at points where states are not sufficient. In their activities in this context, they can act in effective solidarity and communication with other non-governmental organisations and the public at national and international level. On 6 February 2023, two of the largest earthquakes in the history of Turkey, centred in Kahramanmaraş province, were experienced, and the Republic of Turkey requested support from the international community in the face of the magnitude of the devastating effects of the earthquake. The aim of this study is to examine the roles of international non-governmental organisations as a result of these earthquakes. Accordingly, in this study, civil society and earthquake issues are discussed in detail, and the support provided by international non-governmental organisations in the fields of search and rescue and health, shelter, food, logistics and finance after the earthquakes on 6 February 2023 is discussed. Keywords: Natural Disaster, International Non-Governmental Organisations, Earthquake, Aid