Evaluating the Turkish Red Crescent's (Türk Kızılay) disaster response: insights from the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

BACKGROUND

The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, one of Turkey's most devastating disasters, highlighted the importance of effective disaster response operations. This study evaluates the experiences of Turkish Red Crescent (Türk Kızılay) personnel during the earthquake response to identify operational strengths and weaknesses and provide recommendations for enhancing disaster management practices.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 683 Türk Kızılay personnel who participated in the earthquake response. Data were collected through structured surveys comprising quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants were predominantly male (77.5%), with an average age of 35.66 years. Over two-thirds (68.5%) were deployed within 10 days post-earthquake, with an average deployment of 64.02 days. Nearly half (47.7%) had prior disaster experience, of which 38.2% was earthquake-related. Strengths included nutrition services, humanitarian aid, and logistics, while weaknesses were evident in shelter provision, crisis management, and volunteer coordination. Challenges related to hygiene facilities, workforce distribution, and rest support were common. Despite these, personnel reported strong organizational belonging, effective stakeholder relationships, and positive perceptions of leadership.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the critical role of Türk Kızılay personnel in disaster response, revealing both operational successes and areas for development. Enhanced resource management, personnel support systems, and field hygiene improvements are necessary to strengthen disaster response capabilities and ensure personnel well-being.