Health Issues Related to Tsunamis
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Dr. Frank Bia, an expert in infectious diseases and international health, joined AmeriCares after a 30-year career at the Yale University School of Medicine, where he served as Professor of both Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Laboratory Medicine (Clinical Microbiology). He was also co-director of the Yale/Johnson & Johnson Physician Scholars in International Health Program for young physicians training at Yale and elsewhere.
Read Dr. Bia's Bio > |
AmeriCares responded to the destructive Southeast Asia tsunami (December 26, 2004) with emergency response efforts in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India.
AmeriCares continues its Tsunami Recovery Program today (three years later) in Sri Lanka and Indonesia, providing $34 million in assistance to support those in need (as of 1/07)
Injury-causing factors:
- Force of waves and debris (metal, glass, concrete, etc.) caught up in the water
- Wildlife exposure (bites and stings)
- Fires and explosions (from ruptured gas and oil lines, electrical lines & cooking fires)
Common injuries experienced during and after tsunamis:
- Near-drowning (from water and debris entering lungs)
- Aspiration pneumonia (from inhaling water) and other pulmonary complications
- Blunt trauma
- Fractures (often multiple fractures)
- Soft tissue wounds: cuts, scrapes & abrasions (often complex and contaminated by bacteria found in sea water)
- Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature)
- Heat injuries (hyperthermia, sunburn & dehydration)
- Infectious diseases due to contaminated drinking water
- Mental health issues
Important medical supplies during and after tsunamis:
- Large tsunami waves can destroy much of the medical infrastructure – equipment and supplies can be destroyed or contaminated
- Tetanus immunization
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AmeriCares is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. AmeriCares Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 061008595.
