Journal of Natural Hazards and Environment

Abstract

Many people have lost their lives on October 23 and November 9 earthquake
in Van province of Turkey. Earthquake was felt very vigorous in Van and caused
devastating casualties because of its building stock and have led to numerous
loss of life. The reality of Van earthquake is the most recent example in terms
of being more prepared for disasters. In this context the aim of this study is
to address the problems observed in Van earthquake and lessons learned in terms
of the urban environment and health. Van earthquake was evaluated in terms of
the urban environment and health and study designed as an evaluation article.
Earthquake observations of author is evaluated and discussed in the context of
national and international literature. Delivery of the primary health care to
the victims after the Van earthquake has delayed and had some problems to
continue it without interruption. Drinking water, food, shelter,
heat, clothing, toiletries, washing, waste - waste
disposal has been determined as problems in ensuring in
a healthy way to the victims. It has been observed that there are problems
to ensure appropriate shelter and had some problems in infrastructure services.
In this context, it is very important to share the information of experience
lived in terms of being prepared for an earthquake will happen in the future.
The urban environment and health in terms of effective planning done in the
earthquake, epidemiological analysis of risk factors for death and injury, the
necessary information for emergency needs assessment in earthquake rescue
operations, management of losses, medical supplies, disease control and
pre-earthquake sanitation and foreign aid issues, during and after disasters,
including all stages of disaster should be evaluated and planned in advance. In
addition, disaster in our city or in common areas on the point of being
prepared, determined winterized tents, container depots should be created to
store the offered guaranteed health and needed sleeping bags for staff, food
supplies which have available stock opportunities, catalytic stoves, cleaning
supplies, portable toilets, kitchen are the most important findings are issued
in the context of the urban environment and health.