Impacts of earthquake damage on commercial life: A RS and GIS based case study of Kahramanmaraş earthquakes

Earthquakes have negative impacts on societies, both socially and economically, and can disrupt daily life in the affected region. The economic impact of earthquakes is typically analyzed by economists through material losses. However, considering the role and importance of geospatial information, this study aims to develop a new method to analyze the negative impact of earthquakes on economic life by detecting the physical damage in commercial land uses. Within this context, the study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing capabilities to detect damaged commercial units based on Point of Interest (POI) data in the Antakya and Defne districts of Hatay, one of the 11 provinces heavily destroyed in Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye that occurred on February 6, 2023, with magnitudes of 7.7 and 7.6 Mw. The study, utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies, has provided valuable information on the extent of earthquake-related economic losses in the Antakya and Defne districts of Hatay. Analysis of the point of interest (POI) data shows that 55 % of commercial locations, particularly those in metropolitan centers, were negatively impacted. This significant number emphasizes the deep susceptibility of commercial infrastructure to seismic events and emphasizes the vital necessity for specific recovery and resilience approaches. Methodological novelties enable quick identification of critical services needed for urgent disaster response and improve the accuracy of damage estimates, which are crucial for optimizing resource allocation procedures and providing decision-makers with comprehensive spatial data for strategic planning. The study highlights the importance of geospatial technologies in fully understanding the economic impacts of earthquakes and the role of commercial disruption on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. •Utilizing RS and GIS provides rapid and accurate evaluation of earthquake damages.•Commercial POI provides a source of the economic activity data in the affected area.•Earthquake impact of commercial life can be assessed through the damage on POIs.•The highest number of earthquake-damaged POIs are in primary needs category.•Commercial POI evaluations guide post-disaster activities in economic restructuring.