The Turkey/Syria Earthquake 2023: Theoretical Framework of Post-Disaster Logistics and Its Flawed Application

Abstract

This paper discusses the effects of theoretical planning and framework of humanitarian aid and disaster relief. In order to ease the understanding of this theoretical topic this essay will preoccupy itself by conducting a case study: Therefore, the theoretical framework of the Turkish disaster relief institution “Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency” (AFAD) will be analyzed in depth and set into the context of the number of earthquake that took place in South East Turkey and Syria in February of 2023. The more, the success of the theoretical framework established by AFAD will be critically analyzed by comparing it to its practical implementation during the first seven days following the first big earthquake. The study results by concluding that the practical application of the framework on disaster relief and humanitarian aid was highly flawed due to interpersonal problems, affiliations and as a result of a centralized bureaucratic reform.