ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION: THE KEY ROLE OF PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS

The incidence and severity of disasters are increasing worldwide. The public health consequences of disasters include not only medical issues but also loss of essential needs such as water, sanitation, hygiene food, shelter, healthcare and waste management. Environmental disasters involving geological events disasters may also result in toxic exposures, increased pests and vectors and worsening of chronic illnesses. Contrary to the commonly-held myth, geophysical disasters very rarely create significant outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Disaster risk is estimated according to the probability of hazards, vulnerability and capacity. A disaster hazard is a threatening event or potentially damaging phenomenon. Public health vulnerability can be viewed as susceptibility to physical or emotional injury. Recently approaches have evolved from ad hoc disaster response and recovery to a more comprehensive strategy of disaster risk reduction. Disaster risk reduction is a conceptual framework considered to minimize vulnerabilities and disaster risks to avoid, (or prevent), or limit, (mitigate and prepare for), the adverse impacts of hazards within the broad context of sustainable development.

Preparedness can be viewed as actions that result in persons knowing what to do and how to respond after a disaster has occurred. Preparedness programs should be part of a long-term all-hazard, multi-sectoral strategy of risk reduction aimed at protecting the public health and sustainable development. The “eleven E's of emergency preparedness” include the following activities and resources:

• Economic incentive
• Epidemiology
• Enforcement of codes and regulations
• Emergency planning
• Equipment acquisition and stockpiling
• Education
• Exercise and drills
• Early warning
• Evacuation
• Evaluation
• Electronic communications (“e-health”)