Health effects of earthquakes

Abstract

A major earthquake causes massive destruction, high mortality, many casualties and protracted health problems. The impact creates immediate medical needs at the epicentre, while secondary health‐related problems are likely to arise in the areas to which the stricken population has moved for safety, or even afar in time and space, should the country′s socio‐economic destabilization cause further deterioration of the health conditions. Epidemiological studies have shed light on the disease patterns following disasters, including earthquakes, and preparedness measures are possible. Discusses hospitals, injury, patient transport, logistics, communications, and disease and treatment problems arising from recent earthquakes, including Kobe.