Health related response to natural disasters: The case of the Bangladesh cyclone of 1991

This paper evaluates the health related response to large natural disasters using the example of the recent Bangladesh cyclone of 1991. After providing a description of the extent of the health response, it focuses on three major issues: (i) assessment of needs (ii) coordination of major groups involved in health relief and rehabilitation efforts and (iii) appropriateness and effectiveness of the health response in terms of definable outcome criteria. The conclusions are that in the case of the Bangladesh cyclone: (a) the assessment of needs was more reactive rather than anticipatory and was not based on any systematic data gathering from the field; (b) in contrast to previous disaster situations there was excellent coordination of the major groups involved in the aid process (the government, the armed forces and non-governmental organizations) and (c) given the caveat of inadequate baseline information, it appears that the health response was prompt and effective in preventing any increase in mortality from diarrheal diseases and measles. The reasons for the deficiencies and successes of the health response are analysed and finally a list of detailed recommendations to facilitate future disaster/cyclone management and response is provided.