The study of health status in area affected by the earthquake in Azerbaijan through Rapid Assessment Technique in ۲۰۱۲

Introduction: Iran is a disaster prone country in the world and earthquake are the most destructive among natural disasters. A comprehensive plan is necessary in order to guide measures before, during, and after earthquake due to the importance of disaster management. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the role of rapid assessment methods in managing of Azerbaijan earthquake in ۲۰۱۲. Methods: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, data were collected by health experts of Azerbaijan province (۲۴ ones). After earthquake occurrence, the disaster management working groups held sessions and rapid assessment teams organized and dispatch to the affected area. Rapid assessments were determined in epidemiologic and demographic situation, health condition, and emergency needs. Findings: Rapid assessment was done for the affected area by earthquake included Ahar, Heris, and Varzeqan. Looking at health, epidemiologic and demographic situations, Heris and Ahar was considered as the highest and lowest needy area respectively because of its health condition, high population, and severe financial losses and casualties and needs to rescue and relief activities. In the following, the amounts and types of relief activities was determined and provided for each region based on rapid assessment results. Conclusion: The rapid assessment technique plays a crucial role through appropriate management of activities in the phase of disaster response and post-disaster; also, it provides a clear picture of disasters consequences and needs of affected people. This technique could be a suitable model since it was implemented in an acceptable manner in Azerbaijan earthquake.  

Keywords:

Earthquake , Azerbaijan , Rapid assessment , زلزله , آذربایجان , ارزیابی سریع.