Lessons Learned from Van Earthquake in the Context of Urban Environment and Health

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.