A Psychosocial Perspective on Community Resilience and Preparedness in the Context of Earthquakes in Turkey

Abstract

Disaster risk management efforts worldwide are increasingly targeted at building the resilience capacities of individuals and communities for strengthening their resistance, absorption, accommodation, adaptation, transformation and recovery skills in the face of disasters. In addition, as a key element of resilience, preparedness is essential for empowering individuals and communities. Such prioritization of resilience and preparedness has been stressed by international disaster-related policies and actions. Research has also focused on understanding the dynamics of community resilience and preparedness in the context of disasters. In particular, research has revealed that addressing community resilience and preparedness from a psychosocial perspective greatly contributes to a more holistic understanding of the topic. In the present chapter, qualitative findings from two different case studies conducted in Turkey are elaborated with a psychosocial focus on community resilience for the 2011 Van earthquakes and preparedness for the 1999 Kaynaşlı, Düzce earthquakes. Drawing on two different earthquake case studies from different geographical regions of Turkey, the adoption of a local and evidence-based approach is necessary for disaster work. This would enable disaster risk management efforts and policies to be participatory and sustainable with respect to psychosocial aspects along with technical and geographical aspects.