??? Let’s Talk About Earthquakes (and Corruption)??

THIS WEEK: Massive and deadly earthquake impacted Southern Turkey and Syria

?? This week, a massive and deadly earthquake impacted Southern Turkey and Syria and put the emergency response and healthcare capabilities of both countries to the test ??

While it is still too early to assess the full extent of the damage and casualties, initial reports suggest that the 7.8-magnitude earthquake has so far killed more than 2,600 people in Turkey and neighboring Syria, with numbers expected to climb.

The emergency response and healthcare system will face logistical and coordination challenges, especially with dozens of destructive resources being affected. In particular, the lack of access to affected areas due to damaged roads and infrastructure will make it difficult for rescue teams to reach those in need.

As seen in past disasters, the limited availability of resources such as medical supplies and shelters is one of the major concerns for those affected by the disaster. It is clear that much work needs to be done to improve the preparedness and response capabilities in the region. This includes investing in infrastructure, equipment, and training to better prepare and handle future emergencies.

Globally, all of our thoughts are with the families impacted by earthquake, and we hope for a speedy and effective response to the disaster.

A reminder that we are all in it together to build global resilience against natural hazards.

Few organizations highlighted who are on-the-ground and helping out.?UNICEF?Save the Children International?Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)?International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC

Let's talk about corruption for a moment

Colleagues and I from? 悉尼新南威尔士大学 ,? UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture ,? Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health ,? 澳大利亚悉尼科技大学 ,? Harvard Medical School , &? SEEDS ?explored the question about corruption and disasters while systematically reviewing the academic literature concerning the degree to which corruption worsens naturally-triggered disasters in the built environment.

Our 2021 paper reviewing the evidence of how corruption in construction worsens disasters included Turkey.

Corruption can indirectly affect earthquakes in several ways:

1. Poor construction practices: Corruption can lead to substandard construction practices and the use of inferior building materials. This can result in buildings and structures that are not designed or built to withstand earthquakes, leading to more damage and casualties during earthquakes.
2. Lack of disaster preparedness: Corruption can result in the misappropriation of funds and resources that are intended for disaster preparedness and response efforts. This can make communities and countries less prepared to deal with the aftermath of earthquakes, leading to a greater loss of life and property damage.
3. Inadequate infrastructure: Corruption can result in the inadequate construction or maintenance of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water and power systems. This can make it more difficult for emergency services to reach affected areas and provide aid to those in need after an earthquake.
4. Inadequate healthcare system and emergency response: Corruption can also impact the healthcare system and the efficiency of emergency response efforts, as emergency responders may be unable to access resources or face bureaucratic obstacles due to corruption. This can result in a slow and ineffective response, further exacerbating the impact of an earthquake.

As seen in the BBC News article, anger is being seen on-the-ground in Turkey. Corruption can exacerbate the negative effects of earthquakes and make it more difficult for communities and countries to recover from them.

#healthcare #health #publichealth #emergencymanagement #futurism #education #sustainability

------

???Tell a Friend, Be A Friend! Let's get to 3000 newsletter subscribers!???

??? Join the conversation - please comment below!

Check Out Sonny's?New Book, Community Resilience When Disaster Strikes!

Please Subscribe to?this newsletter, and follow?Sonny Patel?on?LinkedIn,?Google,?Instagram, and?Twitter?@SonnyPatel

About 'A Clean Bill of Health' newsletter:

This newsletter will bring you news headlines, conversations and events on how the resilient health professionals innovate, heal, & collaborate to provide better outcomes in our communities. In midst of all the crises in our world, science and technology have been the continued spark in finding health solutions and even helping to heal communities around the world.?This newsletter is built to constantly empower and connect all the various ways we strive for a clean bill of health.

Enjoyed this week's newsletter??Please click "subscribe" above and follow Sonny!