Understanding the socio-economic and wellbeing impacts of the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey on Syrian refugees

On February 6, 2023, a significant earthquake struck Turkey, disproportionately impacting Syrian refugees already struggling with the lingering effects of war. This study aims to understand the specific impacts of the earthquake on Syrian refugees by addressing four key topics: 1) the effects of the earthquake on their living conditions; 2) impacts on their sense of community belonging; 3) well-being impacts reported post-earthquake; and 4) beneficial support strategies identified by the refugees. Through individual interviews with 36 participants and subsequent thematic analysis, we found that Syrian refugees reported trauma akin to their wartime experiences, marked by significant economic, psychological, and social challenges. Economic impacts included job and housing loss, poverty, and debt, while psychological impacts involved stress and trauma. Socially, refugees faced family and community disruptions, educational interruptions, isolation, and withdrawal from social relationships. Despite these hardships, community solidarity was temporarily strengthened as refugees supported each other during the crisis.