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Disasters and Humanitarian Assistance Page of the
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Area of the Pan American Health Organization.
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Announcements
International Meeting - Hospitals in Disasters: Handle with Care
This international meeting of experts, sponsored by international agencies, was held in El Salvador from July 8-10, 2003 to examine three key areas: disaster mitigation in hospitals, hospital evacuation and the use of field hospitals in the aftermath of natural disasters. This new sites includes background documents and the conclusions and recommendations of the working groups. (More)(11/Jun/2003)
In English 
(0.77k)
Books
Efectos de la Erupción del Volcán Reventador (2002) en los Sistemas de Agua y Alcantarillado
Este documento analiza los efectos de las erupciones del año 2002 en los sistemas de agua y alcantarillado de tres provincias ecuatorianas que estuvieron entre las más afectadas por el evento: las provincias del Napo, Sucumbíos y Pichincha (en esta última se ubica el Distrito Metropolitano de Quito).
Tomando en cuenta tanto zonas urbanas como rurales, el texto sistematiza la información sobre el impacto de la erupción en diferentes aspectos de los sistemas de agua y alcantarillado, recoge las lecciones aprendidas sobre el fenómeno y plantea recomendaciones para afrontar eventos similares en el futuro. Así, el documento se constituye en una referencia para los interesados en delinear acciones y estrategias ante este tipo de fenómeno en otros países de América Laitna y el Caribe.(13/Sep/2006)
en español (4.67k)
Evaluación de Necesidades en el Sector Salud con Posterioridad a Inundaciones y Huracanes
El hecho de que no sean apropiadas la sincronización y la naturaleza misma del socorro obedece en parte nada pequeña a la falta de un método adecuado para evaluar las necesidades existentes. Estas necesidades varían con arreglo a la etapa e índole del desastre: terremoto, erupción volcánica o inundación. Es necesario disponer de una metodología uniforme para evaluar rápidamente las necesidades. Si se aplicara, este método permitiría adoptar medidas correctas en el corto plazo y lo que es más importante en el caso de las inundaciones establecer un sistema de control a más largo plazo para alertar a las autoridades sanitarias con respecto a riesgos tardíos.
Esta publicación es un paso en ese sentido. Presenta una metodología para seleccionar datos pertinentes de fuentes apropiadas. El método se basa en la premisa de que, por más que cada inundación ofrezca sus propias peculiaridades, se deben adoptar decisiones fundamentales que son comunes.(13/Sep/2006)
en español (5.09k)
Reducción del Daño Sísmico. Guía para las Empresas de Agua
Esta publicación es un contribución más de la OPS para el fortalecimiento de la capacidad de los técnicos, profesionales y tomadores de decisión del sector de agua y saneamiento de los países de América Latina y el Caribe, para identificar los factores de riesgo frente a amenazas sísmicas e implementar las medidas que eviten o reduzcan los posibles daños.(13/Sep/2006)
en español (3.94k)
Databases
Virtual Disaster Library -Disasters and Humanitarian Assistance
This edition of this electronic collection (available on line and on CD-ROM) incorporates the most important works published by the Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization, UNHCR, UNICEF, Project SPHERE, the Red International Cross Movement, and several non-governmental organizations. This edition has a new more powerful and improved search engine and all the documents are available in HTML and many in PDF format. With more than 400 scientific and technical documents, this collection is the most important information tool on these topics.
(31/Dec/2002)
In English (4.31k)
en español (4.66k)
The Role of Laboratories and Blood Banks in Disasters Situations CD-ROM
This CD presentation complents the 2001 PAHO technical publication of the same name, which revews the primary functions of laboratories and blood banks in disaster situations and the measures they can take to be better prepared. It includes a PowerPoint presentation and a script.(16/Jan/2003)
In English (2.27k)
en español (2.62k)
Photo Gallery: Disasters and Humanitarian Assistance
This page features some of the best photos of natural and manmade disasters in the Americas that includes earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, volcanoes, chemical accidents, and others miscellaneous photos of major disasters from PAHO Member Countries.(19/Feb/2002)
In English (3.2k)
en español (3.19k)
Myths and Realities of Natural Disasters
Myths have surrounded the occurrence of natural disaster phenomena since the beginnings of civilization. This video presents some popular beliefs in the context of some of the most devastating disasters to occur in the Region of the Americas. It emphasizes the importance of dispelling certain myths through education and understanding of actual events.
(6/Jan/2002)
In English How to Order
en español ¿Cómo solicitar este material?
Other Resources
Caribbean Course on Emergency Care and Treatment - ECAT
This course addresses basic medical response for disaster and emergency situations. It includes a participant’s manual, tips for the instructors, a PowerPoint presentation and review tests. Participants will benefit most from this new course if they are familiar with other PAHO courses on mass casualty management and incident command systems.(20/Dec/2004)
In English (2.92k)
Disasters and Humanitarian Assistance Homepage
Information about all aspects of disasters -- preparedness, response, mitigation -- including scientific and technical publications, lists of contacts and news from Latin America and the Caribbean.(8/Aug/2004)
In English (15.18k)
en español (17.45k)
Curso de auto instrucción sobre prevención, preparación y respuesta a accidentes químicos
Una nueva versión bilingüe (español/portugués) de este material de capacitación cuya novedad es la metodología de autoaprendizaje. El curso tiene cinco secciones con presentaciones y módulos de preguntas y respuestas para permitir al alumno la autoevaluación de su aprendizaje.(7/Nov/2003)
en español (3.72k)
Periodical Publications
Disasters: Preparedness and Mitigation in the Americas-April 2009, No. 111 - New!
This issue's editorial focuses on the risks a financial crisis can pose to disaster management, as funds previously used for disaster preparedness and relief are diverted to more pressing needs. The celebration of World Health Day is covered, and an interview with the head of the International Strategy for Disaster reduction is included. Among the new training materials available from PAHO is an interactive tool for hospital safety. HTML(8/May/2009)
In English 
(4621.75k)
en español (4608.91k)
Disasters: Preparedness and Mitigation in the Americas-October 2008, No. 110
This edition's editorial focuses on climate change and disaster programs in the health sector, as changes in climate have had a direct impact on recent disasters. This edition is the first with a new 12-page format, which includes an interview section--PAHO's Director is the first subject--a section on safe hospitals and one on perspectives. HTML(21/Oct/2008)
In English (3464.57k)
en español (3392.01k)
Disasters: Preparedness and Mitigation in the Americas-March 2008, No. 109
Due to the threat of emerging diseases and the deliberate release of hazardous agents, there has been a revision of the international health regulations. This edition's editorial addresses the implications for national health disaster programs. Other topics include the launch of the 2008-2009 World Disaster Reduction Campaign and the yellow fever outbreak in South America. HTML(27/Mar/2008)
In English (1668.17k)
en español (1503.92k)
Technical Documents
2008 Hurricane Season
In August 2008, Hurricane Gustav affected the Caribbean and the U.S., leaving widespread damage in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica.(2/Sep/2008)
In English (26.88k)
Floods in Belize
The first named storms for the 2008 hurricane season hit Belize simultaneously and extensively impacted the coastal and southern areas of the country with severe flash floods. Tropical Storm Alma developed on the Eastern Pacific on 27 May and Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, hit Belize on 31 May.(10/Jun/2008)
In English (8.2k)
Caribbean Basin Wind Hazard Maps
PAHO/WHO, together with Applied Research Associates, a North American institute, and participants from different Caribbean countries, have created maps that show wind hazards on Caribbean islands and along the Caribbean coasts of Central and South America. The project simulates 100,000 years of Atlantic storms using hurricane hazard models, historic records, and existing wind maps.(13/May/2008)
In English (14.58k)
