Earthquake in Colima - Mexico
21 January 2003
Report of 22
January 2003, 8:00 a.m.
Report of 23 January 2003, 5:00 p.m.
Work continues to remove debris and attend to the health needs of those who
were affected by the earthquake of 21 January in the western Mexican state of
Colima. In most of the affected areas, drinking water supply and electric services
are returning to normal. The Trojes Dam, which supplies water to Colima, suffered
minor damage and damage to drinking water aqueducts that supply water to Villa
de Alvarez is being repaired.
Colima’s Secretary of Health has implemented a plan to prevent and control
disease in the wake of the earthquake. Participating in the execution of the
plan are all health sector institutions, including the Mexican Institute of
Social Security (IMSS), the Social Security Institute for State Employees (ISSSTE),
the National Water Commission, the Red Cross and others.
The plan calls for epidemiological surveillance teams, assessment of needs
for medical supplies and medicines, an assessment of damage to health infrastructure,
mental health, and water quality control.
The Health Emergency Operations Center has been activated in Colima and is
coordinating the deployment of teams to provide medical attention and control
disease. A daily consolidated reporting system on the health situation has also
been established.
Two health specialists from the Pan American Health Organization are working
with the Secretary of Health in Colima. At present, the Government of Mexico
has not requested international assistance, as they have been able to control
the situation and meet needs with the resources they have available. The national
emergency medical teams on the scene have gained experience in prior post-disaster
operations, not only in Mexico, but in Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela and El
Salvador, where they had provided support.
A preliminary analysis of damage to health infrastructure reveals that the IMSS
Hospital in Colima is operating at 50% capacity because of physical damage,
particularly in pediatric and internal medicine services. The national government
has provided support in the way of staff and supplies to treat patients.
Eleven other health centers suffered damage to their infrastructure. The health
center in Las Conchas, located in the municipality Ixtlahuacán, and another
four centers in Manzanillo, currently are not functional. On Friday, 24 January,
a specialized assessment of the 84 health facilities that reported some type
of damage will begin.
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