Health Indicator Report of Earthquakes

Earthquakes are defined as the shaking of the earth caused by waves moving on and below the earth's surface causing: surface faulting, tremors, vibration, liquefaction, landslides, aftershocks and/or tsunamis. Earthquakes have caused over 780,000 deaths in the past decade alone, accounting for nearly 60% of all disaster-related mortality, and have changed the environment dramatically (1). Millions of people are exposed to earthquakes globally because many of the most inhabited cities are built on fault lines. There are several faults in Utah, the longest of which is the Wasatch fault, which runs North-South and is 240 miles in length. Utah's most populous cities are located along this fault, including Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo. According to the CDC, a major earthquake affecting a large city has the potential to be the most catastrophic natural disaster for the United States (2). In the weeks following earthquakes, an increase in the number of heart attacks, arrhythmias, increased blood pressure, post-traumatic stress, mental health problems, depression, and suicidal thoughts have been observed and reported (1). Children and the elderly have a higher risk of injury and death during earthquakes than adults. The public health impact of earthquakes is dependent on the magnitude of the earthquake, the nature of the built environment, and the secondary effects of the earthquake such as landslides or fires. The impact may range from deaths and injuries, to secondary infection of untreated wounds, pregnancy complications, increased complications of chronic diseases due to interruption of treatment, and increased psychosocial needs. Environmental consequences often include air, water, and soil pollution. The effects of this kind of pollution can have long-term health effects.