The Earthquakes in Turkey and Their Effects on Nursing and Community Health

Abstract

BackgroundSevere damage was experienced in 10 provinces in Turkey, and the north of Syria, with the earthquakes that hit Kahramanmaras at midnight and afternoon on February 6, 2023. AimThe authors aimed to give brief information to the international nursing community about the situation related to earthquakes in the aspects of nurses. ConclusionThese earthquakes caused traumatic processes in the affected regions. Many people, including nurses and other healthcare professionals, died or were injured. The results demonstrated that the required preparedness had not been applied. Nurses went to these areas voluntarily or on assignment and cared for individuals with injured. The universities in the country passed to distance education because of the shortage of safe places for victims. This situation also negatively influenced nursing education and clinical practice by interrupting in-person education one more time after the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for nursing and nursing policySince the outcomes show a need for well-organized health and nursing care, policymakers may consider getting nurses' contributions to the disaster preparedness and management policy-making processes.