How did the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes affect children? Experiences of children in the earthquake zone

Earthquakes are among the most catastrophic natural disasters, capable of causing substantial loss of life and property in the affected regions, with profound implications for the lives of individuals. They have widespread effects, particularly on susceptible populations. Children, in particular, are among the most vulnerable groups impacted by such events. This study aims to explore the experiences of children affected by the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye. The research was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological design with children aged 11–18 who experienced earthquakes and continued to live in the earthquake zone after the earthquakes. Thirty children participated in the research. Data were collected using one-on-one, in-depth interviews. During the interviews, children were asked open-ended questions about their experiences with earthquakes, the problems they experienced, and their expectations for the future. The data obtained were evaluated using the qualitative content analysis method. The average age of the children participating in the study was 13.65, and 55% were female. In the qualitative content analysis, five main themes were created: (1) Emotions (anxiety, fear, longing, sadness), (2) Inability to meet basic needs (shelter, nutrition, sleep, cleanliness, and hygiene, lack of private space), (3) Social area (communication problems, solidarity), (4) Disruption in the education process, and (5) Expectations. The study found that children who experienced the earthquake had diverse negative emotions, could not meet their basic needs, had sleep problems, and all children’s education process was negatively affected. They wanted a regular life for the future, a productive education life, and to live in earthquake-resistant buildings. Based on the study’s results, it is recommended that children’s experiences after the earthquake be investigated, disasters be managed in a child-centered manner, psychosocial support interventions for children be expanded, and long-term follow-up be provided.