14 May 2008

Earthquake in China – advice for relief workers and other travellers to affected areas

On 12 May 2008, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale struck the south-western province of Sichuan, China. The epicentre was in Wenchuan county, 92 kilometres north west of the provincial capital Chengdu. Extensive structural damage and disruption to power supplies and transport links have been reported. Tremors were felt across China and South East Asia. More than 12,000 people are reported to have died; this figure is expected to rise [1].

Difficult weather conditions continue and are hampering rescue efforts [2]. Chinese authorities have warned of the possibility of aftershocks [3].

A map of the affected areas can be found on the ReliefWeb website.

Advice for travellers

Country-specific health advice for travellers to China can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Page. General advice can also be found in the NaTHNaC Advice for relief workers and other travellers to areas affected by natural disasters.

Safety and security

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising against all but essential travel to the affected area.

 

Food and water advice

Unsanitary living conditions, damage to sewage systems and limited supplies of clean drinking water, increase the risk of diarrhoeal illnesses. Careful food and water hygiene precautions should be taken by travellers to the area.  

Vector-borne diseases

Areas of standing water can increase the risk of outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. Travellers are advised to take insect bite avoidance measures

Vaccination advice

All travellers to China should ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date. Specific advice on the recommended vaccinations for China can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Page and travellers can review this information with their practice nurse or specialist travel clinic. Travellers to the affected areas should ensure that they have received a tetanus vaccine within the previous ten years, and consider hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines.

Other health issues

The risk of injury after a natural disaster is high. Hazards such as electrocution from downed power lines and structural damage to buildings and roads all pose a risk.

There may be severe damage to health facilities, together with shortages of surgical and medical supplies. Travellers should carry a personal first aid kit [4].

Travelling to areas affected by a natural disaster without adequate preparation may put a strain on the already challenged emergency and medical services in the area. Those thinking of travelling to China to help should first contact relevant emergency relief organisations.

References

1. Reliefweb/Harmsen P. Tens of thousands dead or missing in China quake.13 May 2008. [Accessed 14 May 2008]. Available at: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/PANA-7ELCVQ?OpenDocument&rc=3&emid=EQ-2008-000062-CHN

2. World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific. Sichuan earthquake. 14 May 2008. [Accessed 14 May 2008]. Available at http://www.wpro.who.int/sites/eha/disasters/emergency_

reports/Earthquake+in+China.htm

3. Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Travel Advice: China 12 May 2008.

[Accessed 14 May 2008]. Available at:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/china

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Recommendations for relief workers responding to disasters. 22 December 2005. [Accessed 14 May 2008]. Available at:

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentReliefWorkers.aspx

Links and further information

World Health Organization Regional Office the Western Pacific

NaTHNaC Country Information Page - China

ReliefWeb China: Earthquake – May 2008

World Health Organization: Earthquakes - Technical hazard sheet