The Role of Local Governments in The Context of Disaster Communication and Social Media: The Example of 06 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake

Abstract

The February 06, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquake brought great destruction and loss of life to the region. In times of crisis, effective disaster communication is crucial to ensure public safety and facilitate response efforts. Local governments play a critical role in managing and disseminating information during disasters using various communication channels, including social media. This research aims to analyze the role of local governments in disaster communication during the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. In particular, it examined how local governments use social media for disaster communication, the strategies they use to manage information dissemination, and the effectiveness of their communication efforts. By exploring these key issues, this study aims to provide insights into the vital role of local governments in disaster communication and contribute to improving future disaster response efforts. In this context, using the case study method, the posts of Kahramanmaraş Metropolitan Municipality on X accounts were analyzed between February 06, 2023, and March 09, 2023.