Background: On August 17, 1999, an earthquake of magnitude 7.4 on the Richter scale struck northwestern Turkey causing massive structural damage and killing over 10,000 people. Our objective was to identify the immediate needs of the displaced population to guide Red Cross/ Red Crescent response activities. Methods: Using a random cluster-sampling design, we interviewed representatives of 230 families living in temporary shelter from four communities heavily impacted by the earthquake. Results: Most families lived in makeshift shelters (84%), used bottled water (91%), obtained food from relief organizations (61%), had access to latrines (90%), had a member on routine medication (53%), and obtained information by word of mouth (81%). Many respondents reported having family members who were over age 65 (32%) or under age 3 (20%), who were pregnant (6%), or who had been ill since the earthquake (64%). The greatest immediate need for most families was shelter requirements (37%), followed by food (23%) and hygiene requirements (19%). Conclusion: Ten days after the earthquake, basic environmental health needs of food, shelter, and hygiene still predominated in the displaced population. Significant portions of this population may have special needs due to age or illness.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session the participant willbe able to: 1) describe the methodology for performing community-based needs assessment following a disaster 2) identify important health needs and health effects in a population displaced by an earthquake
Keywords: Disasters, Assessments
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.