Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Health Sciences: Faculty Bulletin (Volume: 3, Issue: 27, March 2023)

Abstract

SOCIAL SERVICE IN EARTHQUAKE AND DISASTERS

Earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.6, which took place on the Gaziantep-Maraş-Hatay axis on February 6, 2023, at 04:17 and in the following minutes, caused great destruction and loss of life in 10 provinces in the region. Our country is located on the Alpine-Himalayan Earthquake Belt, which has the most serious earthquake risks in the world. The North Anatolian fault is a gigantic fault with a total length of 1,200 km and a width of kilometers in some places, and the Eastern Anatolian fault line descending towards our south is a very long fault extending from Erzincan to Hatay. In the last fifty years, erroneous, incomplete and lack of scientific paradigm, consistency and scientific decisions can be counted as the main factors causing this disaster. After all, the damage of the earthquake to individuals and families is the most important result. In addition to serious problems such as death, injury, permanent or temporary disability, family break-ups, mental disorders, job and education losses, lack of basic needs, heating, transportation, communication and shelter problems were common. According to the figures announced by our state, the number of those who died after 21 days reached 45 thousand, and the number of the beneficial ones exceeded hundreds of thousands. Unfortunately, we are living through one of the biggest natural disasters of the millennium. As a society, I hope we will get through these difficult days together by saying "we" with help, solidarity and love. I wish God's mercy on the deceased, and my condolences and patience to their relatives… As our great leader Atatürk said; “In disasters, it is necessary to resist despair!”