On August 17, 1999, an earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter Scale struck western Turkey, resulting in official estimates of 17,000 deaths, 10,000 missing, 24,000 injured, and more than 600,000 homeless. The Centers for Disease Control along with local public health officials subsequently conducted a community needs assessment in the region and also studied logbook entries of clinics in two camps for displaced persons 2 and 6 weeks after the earthquake. Results indicated that the primary need was housing and a secondary need was counseling to address the reports of depression. Clinic logbook entries revealed that the primary illness for both time periods in both camps was upper respiratory tract illness, followed by musculoskeletal pain. All other causes, including diarrhea, represented no more than 10% of the total visits. The overwhelming number of visits was for illnesses, not injuries. Recommendations to alleviate the situation included providing shelter, heat, and clothing suitable for winter conditions; providing mental health services, social activities, and community jobs to address the increased level of stress; continuing the current level of medical care; and encouraging reporting of morbidity data from local camp clinics to regional health offices.
Learning Objectives: Crisis management by public health organizations.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.