Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes gain international media coverage—spurring quick international response to aid the victims. While initial intervention delivers medical attention to the wounded and shelter to the displaced, some diseases can quickly become epidemics if certain steps aren’t taken to prevent their spread.
Water Supply
A clean water supply is vital to all humans, and in the wake of disaster water is the most critical component to be delivered to the masses. While potable water is the first concern, citizens also require sanitary water for washing and food preparation in order to prevent the onset of diseases. Bottled water is vital to the survival of the populace, as well as water sanitizing chemicals and the training in their use.
Disease Control
Typhoid and cholera are both contracted via contaminated food or water, and teaching food safety to the displaced needs to be quickly implemented to avoid epidemics. Other diseases such as measles, influenza and pneumonia can spread quickly in crowded temporary housing, and isolation of the contagious is vital. In areas where mosquitoes breed freely, malaria can become rampant. Malaria can be confused with influenza in a clinical setting because the diseases share the same initial symptoms. Newer quick-detection malaria tests can help identify the disease, as well as alert medical professionals to mosquito breeding areas, which can be treated to prevent further outbreaks.
Food Safety and Health Education
If potable water is not provided, displaced people will use what is available. Early aid responders must quickly teach food safety—such as boiling water for drinking, avoiding unwashed food and cooking food thoroughly. Additional health education should include personal hygiene when preparing food, learning not to share eating utensils and keeping the living quarters as clean as possible. Learning how diseases spread is important, especially in overcrowded emergency shelters.
Human Waste Disposal
Human waste can quickly become a disease breeding ground, and proper disposal areas should be organized immediately. If portable latrines are not available, waste pits should be dug, similar to traditional outhouses. When designating human waste sites, remember the Three Ds: distant, downhill and downstream from human quarters. Because emergency shelters are usually overcrowded, a citizen safety program may need to be implemented so the residents do not avoid the latrine for fear of being mugged or raped.
Solid Waste Disposal
Garbage is another germ-breeding zone, and solid waste disposal should round out the list of emergency measures. A waste disposal site should be set up away from emergency shelters and water supplies, and all survivors should be encouraged to use the area for disposal of everyday solid wastes.
During times of natural disaster, urgent care and shelter are required to keep displaced citizens from facing further disasters, such as epidemics. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, water that is safe for drinking and washing is the most vital key to survival, followed by disease control, food safety, health education and the disposal of both human and solid waste.
