Shaken, stirred and indebted: Firm-level effects of earthquakes

Using firm-level data from Turkiye, we investigate the effects of earthquakes on firms’ balance sheets. We find that earthquakes increase firms’ liabilities but have a smaller effect on firms’ assets, both in magnitude and significance. Using surveys sent to the finance and/or accounting managers of the largest 100 firms in Turkiye we identify common themes in their perceptions. Our findings reveal a consensus among respondents attributing the increased liabilities to exchange rate depreciation and lower business activity following a disaster. Conversely, higher availability of external credit is associated with a decrease in liabilities. Our analysis also indicates that finance managers with higher educational attainment may be underestimating the effects of earthquakes.