A case study of the health system response operation to flood in Chaldoran Township on July 2011

Due to casualties and financial losses, floods are the most horrible natural disasters. It is responsible for 40-50% of all deaths in the world, about 43% of total population damaged by disasters that have occurred between 2009-2000. Despite the high abundance of floods in Iran, yet little research has been done on how the health system response to the flood. This article aims to study the health system response operation to Chaldoran township flood. In this descriptive case study, data was collected by using checklists that were prepared by researchers through interviews with authorities of health system in affected areas; reviewing existing documentation; and observing of how the response has been provided. A flash flood was occurred and damaged some parts of Chaldoran Township on 16 July, 2011. Initial investigation team dispatched immediately to the affected areas and surveillance system was exacerbated. 24 samples of water had been taken in the region that 6 cases had bacterial contamination. However, no chemical sampling was prepared, 6 drinking water sources restored and also 34 kg of calcium hypochlorite was distributed. Chlorine measurement was performed in 206 cases which 182 were favorable cases. 8 toilets of 11 were reconstructed after damaging in flood. Meanwhile, there were not any unwanted problems in maternal and child and family planning health services. Fortunately, losses resulting from the recent flood were not noticeable and have been managed well by the health system. But for broader disaster management involving high mortality, the health system should design a proper disaster plan in order to prepare and improve employees by training programs in various maneuvers. The health system and employees should be ready. Otherwise, such disasters are very difficult to manage and also the results will be tragic.