Solution Suggestions of Businesses for Crises in Natural Disasters: February 6 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Example

Abstract

Purpose – This study is composed of large and medium-sized enterprises operating in the central and districts of Elbistan, Onikişubat, Dulkadiroğlu, Afşin and Nurhak regions after the 7.7 and 7.8 magnitude double earthquakes that occurred eight hours apart in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey on February 6, 2023. Many factors such as damage status, labor migration status, sectoral problems, and emergency kits of enterprises in the region after the earthquakes were examined from different perspectives. The study aimed to obtain very important results in terms of determining what precautions enterprises should take in earthquakes occurring in the world, factors such as insurance, documents, supply chain, accommodation, and urgency situations, and revealing their priorities.
Design/methodology/approach – This study adopts a qualitative research design. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview technique with a total of 17 business owners. The data obtained were grouped under relevant themes and analysed using the Descriptive Analysis method.
Results – The insecurity of the businesses has made the redevelopment process of SMEs (small and medium-sized businesses) difficult after the earthquake and has caused a great financial loss. This potential can be easily done by expanding the mandatory earthquake insurance, encouraging insurance guarantees and expanding the expansion. In order to stop the progress in such natural disasters, the necessary incentives, principles, motivation sources, sanctions such as shelter should be worked on and established for the redevelopment of the region and kept in the region. It is seen that they have gathered the fleet, silos and warehouses that they have changed in one place. Incentives and planning should be made in order to keep them in several different places to make them smaller. The workers continued their endurance on their own. Assigning expert teams to those departments or those businesses and creating support desks makes a positive contribution to the worker psychology and regional development.
Discussion – This research provides a comprehensive evaluation of the post-earthquake conditions and priority needs of businesses in the affected region. It presents concrete and actionable recommendations for enterprises and managers. Implementing these recommendations will support the reconstruction of businesses and contribute to the economic recovery process in the earthquake-stricken areas.