An evaluation of the experiences of forced migrant students studying in Türkiye during the 6 February Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes: A qualitative study
Safety Science, vol.203, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 203
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ssci.2026.107314
- Journal Name: Safety Science
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, EMBASE, Environment Index, INSPEC, Psycinfo, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Earthquake, Education, First three days, Forced migrant, Sheltering, Student
- Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Forced migrant populations often experience structural vulnerabilities such as limited economic resources, precarious living conditions, and unequal access to assistance during disasters. This study aims to explore the difficulties experienced by forced migrant university students affected by the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes of February 6, 2023, during the first three days and the subsequent period, and to offer recommendations that may inform disaster management policies and support evidence-based decision-making for student populations with forced migrant status. The study was designed using a phenomenological qualitative approach, and data were analyzed through content analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 participants selected using stratified, maximum variation, and snowball sampling methods across six universities in six earthquake-affected provinces. Qualitative data were analyzed using MAXQDA software by generating code–theme structures and incorporating direct quotations. The findings indicate that migrant students faced severe difficulties in meeting basic needs such as shelter, food, water, hygiene, search and rescue, and access to healthcare, particularly during the first three days following the earthquake. Although these difficulties decreased after the initial three-day period, significant challenges related to education emerged. Male migrant students were more actively involved in search and rescue efforts using their own means and demonstrated higher resilience associated with their war-related experiences. The absence of alternative accommodation options, such as village houses, further intensified sheltering problems. In addition, female migrant students were found to be more vulnerable due to gender-specific challenges experienced during the disaster. Based on the findings, recommendations were developed and presented to policymakers.