The study of health status in area affected by the earthquake in Azerbaijan through rapid assessment technique in 2012

Iran is a disaster prone country in the world and earthquakes are the most destructive among natural disasters. Thus, 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 2012. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, data were collected by health experts of Azerbaijan province (24 ones). After earthquake occurrence, the disaster management working groups held sessions and rapid assessment teams organized and dispatch to the affected area. Rapid assessment was determined in epidemiologic and demographic situation, health conditions, and emergency needs. Rapid assessment was done for the affected area by earthquake included Ahar, Heris and Varzeqan. Looking at health, epidemiologic and demographic situation, Heris and Ahar were considered as the highest and lowest needy areas respectively due to their deterioration of health status, high population, severe financial losses and casualties and are needed for more rescue and relief activities. In the following, the amounts and types of relief activities were determined and provided for each region based on rapid assessment results. The rapid assessment technique plays a crucial role through appropriate management of activities in the phase of disaster and post-disaster response; also, it provides a clear picture of disaster consequences and the needs of affected people. This technique could be a suitable model since it was implemented in an acceptable manner in Azerbaijan earthquake.