Mortality and injury following the 2007 Ica earthquake in Peru

Abstract

Objective. To quantify earthquake injury and mortality from the 2007 Ica earthquake in Peru and to assess earthquake-related risk and vulnerability.Design. A population-based cluster survey of households in the region most affected by the earthquake. A stratified cluster survey design was used to allow for comparison between urban, periurban, and rural areas, where different outcomes were anticipated as a result of variation in building practices and access to post-earthquake assistance. A total of 42 clusters of 16 households were planned to allow for comparison between the location types and to ensure adequate spatial coverage.Setting. The four affected provinces in Southern Peru: Ica, Pisco, Chincha, and Canete.Participants. A total of 672 randomly selected households with a combined population of 3,608 individuals, of which 3,484 (97 percent) were reported as household members on the day of the earthquake.Results. Mortality and injury rates in the four most affected provinces were estimated at 1.4 deaths/ 1,000 exposed (95 CI: 0.5-3.3) and 29 injuries/1,000 exposed (95 CI: 6-52). Older adults and members of households of lower socioeconomic status faced increased risk of injury. No significant differences in injury rates were observed between rural, urban, and peri-urban residence areas.Conclusions. Populations of lower socioeconomic status faced increased risk of injury; however, no differences in injury rates were observed between rural, urban, and peri-urban communities. Study findings suggest that earthquake preparedness and mitigation efforts should focus on population subgroups of lower socioeconomic in both rural and urban areas of earthquake- prone regions.