THE IMPACT OF THE FEBRUARY 6, 2023, EARTHQUAKE IN SOUTHERN TÜRKIYE ON COMPANIES IN THE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECTOR: A FOCUS ON EMERGENCY PLANNING

GERDAN S., AYDIN CAN B., Aslan R., Usta G.

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT JOURNAL, cilt.24, sa.11, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

Özet

In this study, companies operating in the agricultural and food sectors within the Organized Industrial Zone of Malatya province, T & uuml;rkiye, affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquake, were examined. The factors affecting the earthquake and post-earthquake recovery process of these companies were evaluated based on the existence of an emergency plan. The sample consisted of 44 companies that agreed to be interviewed, operating in the agricultural and food sectors and affected by the earthquake. Companies were divided into two groups: those with a disaster emergency plan and those without. The survey data were evaluated in terms of damage status, preparedness of companies for disasters, expectations after earthquakes, and factors affecting the updating of emergency plans. According to the NACE code that determines the activity and danger class of the companies, all 44 companies are in the dangerous class. A logistic regression model was used for data analysis. The research results show that only one enterprise has an earthquake isolator. One company with a disaster and emergency plan and more than 50 employees provided post-earthquake crisis management training. The findings of the study show that the existing plans do not include activities aimed at real risk reduction, lack of understanding of the purpose and importance of risk prevention, and are documents prepared only to fulfill the legal obligation. Logistic regression results of the study show that a disaster emergency plan before earthquakes was 5.22 times more likely to be updated it after earthquakes. Since food and agricultural companies are responsible for meeting the nutritional needs of society, the absence of an emergency plan threatens the food security of society. Therefore, emergency plans, especially in the agriculture and food sectors, are a necessity not only in times of crisis, but also for long-term food security. Regular review and updating of these plans would make the sector more resilient, prevent economic losses, and secure social welfare.