Protecting the Public's Health

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03.01.2012 Indonesia - Ijen Volcano: Since the beginning of December 2010, unrest continues at Ijen volcano on Java/Indonesia. Observations at the crater lake on December 17th showed the lake had changed colour from light-green to white. A strong smell of sulphur was present at the lake and required observers to wear gas mask. Local authorities are preparing evacuation camps in 3 counties close to the volcano. The camps and surrounding area will give space to at least 5,586 people and their livestock, in case an evacuation is imminent. The alert level has been raised to 3 (Siaga) on December 18th. 16,000 masks have been distributed to the people. River banks will have to be cleared 100 meter at both sides to avoid fatal lahar accidents.

13.12.2011 Indonesia: Today, Marapi volcano on Sumatra, Indonesia has been raised to level 2 alert (out of a maximum 4). Yesterday, 43 volcanic earthquakes were measured at the volcano. A 1.5 radius exclusion zone has been placed around the volcano

05.12.2011 Indonesia - Eruption at Gamalama Volcano: Yesterday, at 11:00 pm local time, Mt. Gamalama in Indonesia erupted. The alert status was raised to 3 (out of maximum 4). The eruption of Gamalama volcano has covered nearly all parts of Ternate city with ash. The Airport was closed temporarily. Residents of 10 subdistricts in North Ternate district were evacuated, because these areas are likely be in the way of possible lava flows.

07.11.2011 DR of Congo - Nyamuragira Volcano: Yesterday, a flank eruption has begun at Nyamuragira volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A 1 km long fissure has opened with lava fountains. A sky glow was seen by observers in Goma during the night and this morning a large plume was visible. 19.11.2011 Update: Lava fountains continue at Nyamuragura volcano and lava flows are advancing northwards. The rate of advance of the lava flow has decreased over the past week. The eruption has not affected Gorillas in the Virunga Ranges which are located 20 km from the eruption site. There has been no effect on the Tongo Chimpanzees.

04.11.2011 Spain - Update on El Hierro volcano: The submarine eruptions at El Hierro volcano still continuing. On November 2nd a magnitude 4.4 earthquake happened in El Golfo Bay in a depth of 23 km and was followed by strong harmonic tremor. On November 3rd new areas of yellow-green stained water was visible above the eruption site. Bubbling and muddy water was visible in the area too. Within a radius of 1,5 km of the eruption site no marine life was registered. The alert level at El Hierro volcano remains RED. Click here and look at pictures from the eruption on November 3rd 2011. 19.11.2011 Update: Earthquake activity has increased at El Hierro volcano, Canary Islands. A magnitude 3.7 earthquake occurred at 15:32 hr (UT) on 18th November in the El Golfo region. The focus was at a depth of 23 km. Beaches between Puerto Naos and La Restinga have been closed due gas emissions. A 4 km radius around the eruption site is closed to navigation. Area of upwelling is over 200 m in diameter.

General Effects of Disasters on Health

In the past, sudden-impact disasters were believed to cause not only widespread death, but also massive social disruption and outbreaks of epidemic disease and famine, leaving survivors entirely dependent on outside relief. Systematic observation of the effects of natural disasters on human health has led to different conclusions, both about the effects of disaster on health and about the most effective ways of providing humanitarian assistance.

The term “disaster” usually refers to the natural event (e.g., a hurricane or earthquake) in combination with its damaging effects (e.g., the loss of life or destruction of buildings). “Hazard” refers to the natural event, and “vulnerability” to the susceptibility of a population or system (e.g., a hospital, water supply and sewage system, or aspects of infrastructure) to the effects of the hazard. The probability that a particular system or population will be affected by hazards is known as the “risk.” Hence, risk is a function of the vulnerability and the hazard, and is expressed as follows:

Risk = Vulnerability x Hazard

Though all disasters are unique in that they affect areas with different levels of vulnerability and with distinct social, health, and economic conditions, there are still similarities between disasters. If recognized, these common factors can be used to optimize the management of health humanitarian assistance and use of resources.

Effective management of health humanitarian aid depends on anticipating and identifying problems as they arise, and delivering specific materials at the precise times and points where they are needed. The logistical ability to transport maximum numbers of supplies and personnel from abroad to disaster areas is less essential. Cash is the most effective donation, particularly since it can be used to purchase supplies locally.
(Source: PAHO/WHO SP575)

latest update: 03.01.2012