Work

Understanding the socio-economic and wellbeing impacts of the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey on Syrian refugees

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: On February 6, 2023, a significant earthquake struck Turkey, disproportionately impacting Syrian refugees already struggling with the lingering effects of war. This study aims to understand the specific impacts of the earthquake on Syrian refugees by addressing four key topics : 1) the effects of the earthquake on their living conditions; 2) impacts on their sense of community belonging; 3) well-being impacts reported post-earthquake; and 4) beneficial support strategies identified by the refugees. Through individual interviews with 36 participants and subsequent thematic analysis, we found that Syrian refugees reported trauma akin to their wartime experiences, marked by significant economic, psychological, and social challenges. Economic impacts included job and housing loss, poverty, and debt, while psychological impacts involved stress and trauma. Socially, refugees faced family and community disruptions, educational interruptions, isolation, and withdrawal from social relationships. Despite these hardships, community solidarity was temporarily strengthened as refugees supported each other during the crisis.

Source: International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105548

Authors: Abir Nasır, Ghada Alymany, Fatima Brimo, Selin Tekin, John Drury

Institutions: Mersin Üniversitesi, Latakia University, Karabük University, University of New York Tirana, University of Sussex

Language: English

Topic: Disaster Management and Resilience

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, No poverty, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,200