Natural Disasters: Myths And Realities

Washington, D.C., December 28, 2004 (PAHO)—Myths and realities regarding dead bodies and the spread of epidemics during natural disasters. Compiled by PAHO's Office of Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief.

Myth: Disasters cause random deaths.

Reality: Disasters have the most serious effect on vulnerable (high-risk) geographical areas which is where the poorest populations generally settle.

Myth: The fastest way to dispose of dead bodies and to avoid the spread of disease is to bury them in mass graves or cremate them, a process that will relieve the population.

Reality: The population will be reassured and can better bear the pain from the loss of loved ones when they follow their beliefs and carry out religious rituals, and know that there is a possibility of identifying and recovering the bodies.

Myth: After a disaster, dead bodies always cause epidemics.

Reality: Dead bodies do not cause epidemics in cases of disasters.

Myth: It is better to restrict information concerning the magnitude of the tragedy.

Reality: Restrictions on information promote distrust in the population, resulting in inappropriate behaviors and even violence.

Myth: It is impossible to identify large numbers of dead bodies after a tragedy.

Reality: There are always methods that allow the identification of bodies or body parts.

Myth: DNA technology for the identification of corpses is still not accessible for the majority of countries because of its high cost and the highly technical processes needed.

Reality: DNA profiling is rapidly becoming an identification tool that is accessible for all countries. Furthermore, in cases of major disasters, the majority of countries can provide support with economic and technological resources, among them, DNA technology.