Abstract
A major earthquake causes massive destruction, high mortality, many
casualties and protracted health problems. The impact creates immediate
medical needs at the epicentre, while secondary health‐related problems
are likely to arise in the areas to which the stricken population has
moved for safety, or even afar in time and space, should the country′s
socio‐economic destabilization cause further deterioration of the health
conditions. Epidemiological studies have shed light on the disease
patterns following disasters, including earthquakes, and preparedness
measures are possible. Discusses hospitals, injury, patient transport,
logistics, communications, and disease and treatment problems arising
from recent earthquakes, including Kobe.