"Can anyone hear me?": The evaluation of human behaviour during earthquakes in Turkey

Abstract

This study seeks to examine how individuals behave in indoor and outdoor environments during an earthquake. Utilizing a nested multiple-case design, the research focused on the earthquakes that struck the & Idot;zmir and Elaz & imath;& gbreve; provinces of Turkey in 2020 and 2021 as separate cases. Data were collected through document review, specifically analyzing earthquake video footage, and the analysis was conducted using an observation form. The study reviewed 20 video recordings related to the Elaz & imath;& gbreve; earthquake (6 indoor, 10 outdoor, and 4 outdoor) and 37 videos from the & Idot;zmir earthquake (10 indoor, 22 outdoor, and 5 outdoor). The information gathered from the footage was transformed into findings through descriptive statistical analyses, including frequency and cross-table analyses. The results indicate that individuals often display similar behaviors during an earthquake. It was found that people typically move toward doors or balconies, remain still, take protective stances, and turn to the others during such events. Their reactions may range from panic to calmness, control, and confusion. Notably, most individuals did not take any belongings with them or opted for their phones or wallets. People were observed to freeze, walk, run, or move in a manner that suggested crowding.