Public Perception of Disaster governance in Türkiye and Trusted Institutions in Disaster Response

Abstract

Disaster governance is an indispensable approach for reducing the destructive effects of natural and human-induced disasters and for ensuring that societies become more resilient to disasters. A comprehensive disaster governance approach, encompassing the phases of risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery, minimizes loss of life and property, maintains economic stability, and ensures social justice. Furthermore, in the event of a disaster, the state acting in coordination with all societal stakeholders provides significant benefits in minimizing damages. Türkiye is a country frequently exposed to a wide range of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and droughts due to its geographical location, physical features, and climate characteristics. This study provides important insights into how disaster response policies are perceived in Türkiye by examining citizens’ perceptions of disaster governance and their levels of trust in the institutions involved in disaster response. In particular, the field study conducted in the case of Konya offers a valuable dataset for understanding how Türkiye’s disaster governance policies are implemented and how citizens perceive these practices. The findings of the research make it possible to draw conclusions regarding how disaster governance policies should be supported not only by the central government but also by stakeholders such as local governments and non-governmental organizations. The study was conducted using a quantitative method..