An Epidemiological Study Post Cyclone Fani: An Insight of Our Disaster Risk Reduction and Relief Services

Avneet Randhawa; Edmond  Fernandes; Neevan  Dsouza; Gautam Satheesh

Avneet Randhawa National Consultant CHD Group, and Adjunct Faculty, Edward and Cynthia Institute of Public Health, Mangalore, India.
Edmond Fernandes Director, Edward & Cynthia Institute of Public Health, Mangalore, India.
Neevan Dsouza Associate Professor, Nitte University & Member - Governing Board, CHD Group, Karnataka, India.
Gautam Satheesh Research Assistant, CHD Group, Karnataka, India.

Keywords: Disaster Risk Reduction, Public Health, Climate Change, Health Systems, NGO

Abstract

Introduction : Every year cyclones hit India, impacting the population living along the coastline, the infrastructure and inland areas within India. Multiple bodies of evidence suggests that cyclonic storms disrupt regular health systems depending on the category of the storm and cascading risks emerging from such disasters present a more complex risk scenario for sustainable development.

Methodology : A cross sectional study on 370 cyclone victims from from May 23, 2019 to May 27, 2019 using purposive sampling was carried out at twelve medical relief centers covering both urban and rural areas selected by systematic random sampling. Data was analyzed using SPSS, version 22.

Results : Of the total 370 participants, majority 216 (58.4%) belonged to the age group of 35-64 years, 200 (54.1%) victims were women. Majority, 290 (78.4%) were married and 240 (64.9%) belonged to families with more than four family members.

336 (90.8%) of the participants reported to the medical camp with any disease related signs and symptoms post-disaster while 34 (9.2%) sought medical services for injuries alone.

266 (71.9%) of the victims reported receiving early warning signals regarding the storm through media (radio/ TV/ newspapers/ cell phones), while 104 (28.1%) received the information through neighbors and friends. 342 (92.4%) knew about the dangers and measures be taken for self-protection during a cyclone, while 28 (7.6%) had incomplete or no knowledge. 270 (72.9%) correctly knew about the food hygiene, water quality, and waste disposal measures post-disaster, while 100 (27%) were unaware of the same.

How to cite this article:
Randhawa A, Fernandes E, Dsouza N, Satheesh G. An Epidemiological Study Post Cyclone Fani: An Insight of Our Disaster Risk Reduction and Relief Services. Epidem Int. 2021;6(4):23-26.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.7048.202118

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