Sefid Sang Earthquake Measuring 6 on the Richter Scale in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran, 2017: Challenges and Operations

The present article aimed to study field observations of the 2017 Sefid Sang earthquake, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran, measuring 6 on the Richter scale with the approach of assessing the behaviors and performing a short analysis on the rescue and relief operations.

This qualitative study has followed the conceptual analysis approach to research. The sample population was selected with purposive sampling technique from the affected villages of Brashak, Karghash Olya, Drakht Bid, Kelate Menar, Kelate Hajikar, Kharzar, and Chah Mazar to study the behavior and knowledge of the affected people. A goal-based sampling was also applied among the operational managers who were directly engaged in the relief and rescue operations. This research benefited the focus group’s viewpoints. The necessary data were gathered from the answers given to the open questions. The process of research data analysis was in the light of phases proposed by Granheim and Lanman.

The results of this study showed that the disaster preparedness index coefficient among the residents of affected and surrounding villages was low which seriously required enhancement. It was also found out the affected people lacked necessary awareness about general training on the subject of disaster resiliency. Although Red Crescent’s role of disaster response in the context of implementation had been effective, it was found that its other roles of advocacy and support could be more effective than its implementation role.

Observation also showed that cultural diversity was being observed and respected by rescue and relief workers; however, such a critical issue was not observed and respected the same by other organizations, consequently aggravating the cooperation and coordination atmosphere