Keywords
Lorca
public health
disaster
How to Cite
Abstract
The impact of disasters on public health does not always occur immediately. In fact, medium- and long-term effects are often worse than those produced during the acute phase.
On May 11th 2011, two seismic events of catastrophic consequences took place in the town Lorca; the first one happened at 5:05 pm (Spanish time) of a magnitude Mw = 4.5, and it was followed by several aftershocks. About two hours later, a stronger earthquake occurred, with a magnitude Mw = 5.1 and an intensity VII on the EMS-98 scale. The earthquakes caused nine deaths, injured about 300 people, and forced 60,000 persons to leave their homes. Three temporary camps were set up around the city, which were unified later.
The public health actions and prevention and control measures were analyzed after the catastrophic earthquake. The information for this paper was obtained by interviewing individuals and groups belonging to the Lorca Public Health Service’s staff.
The analysis revealed a need to improve procedures and coordination among the different groups. To conclude, the following actions, among others, are suggested: 1) to establish protocols or guidelines to allow a fast identification of risks and also a fast decision-making; 2) to carry out training exercises and drills; 3) to receive emergency and disaster training; 4) a transverse collaboration of the public health team with other Task Groups.
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