The combination of growing populations moving into large cities in high risk zones increase the risk of natural disasters with a substantial public health consequence. A high population density and rapid air travel increase the spread and effects of plagues and diseases. People in countries with limited resources are more vulnerable to death and other consequences of disasters. This requires global rather than national preparedness and response strategies. Public health organisations, government and non-government organisations can take a leadership role and provide training, organisation and research knowledge to improve responses to such disasters.This book is the first holistic public health approach in relation to natural disasters. It fills the gap to have a one-stop-shopping synopsis of key ideas associated with mediation of public health natural disasters. It is unique in focusing on 'lessons learned' rather than 'what to do'. Published research relating to general responses by public health agencies to disasters is scientifically evaluated. Various types of disasters are reviewed: flooding, diseases, earthquakes, volcanoes, and drought. Long term needs, prevention and individual preparation are taken into account. The information can be used to prepare and mitigate effects of disasters.The summary points at the start of each chapter will help the reader to use as this book as reference book and for educational purpose.

Acknowledgements 11

Preparation and early public health responses to natural disasters

1.Connected preparedness: disaster preparation and media 15

2.The public health impacts of natural disasters 33

3.Climate and other forms of environmental change, disasters and public health 59

4.Public health in disaster preparedness: global natural disasters & public health's response 79

5.The physicians' response to climate change 97

6.Children's reactions and adjustment to natural disasters 113

7.Longer-term mental health needs of disaster survivors 125

8.Suicidal behaviours after natural disasters: trends and impacting factors 141

Floods, drought and hurricanes

9.Drought and crop failure result in improved crop and land management 155

10.Blood pressure changes in patients with or without chronic kidney disease after the Great East Japan Earthquake 171

11.Impacts of Hurricane Katrina on water quality in New Orleans 187

Earthquakes and volcanoes

12.Volcanoes: health effects and remediation strategies 205

13.Non-eruptive volcanogenic air pollution and health effects 223

14.The usage of complementary Food supplements for young children during natural disasters 235

15.Musculoskeletal injuries following earthquakes 251

16.Can a short-term intervention make a longer-term difference? Outcomes of cash and food for work programs in post-earthquake Haiti 265

17.Socio-economic impacts and consequences of earthquakes, Iran's perspectives 279

18.Earthquakes and impact on prevalence of metabolic syndrome 295

19.Earthquake, cardiovascular diseases and implications For public healfh 309

Disease, food and malnutrition in disasters

20.Drought, food security and micronutrient malnutrition 337

21.Disruptive innovation in primary care for the base of the pyramid 367

22.Community based management of severe acute malnutrition 379

23.Why does parenting matter after natural disasters? - a public healfh perspective on youth mental health 393

24.Assessment of malnutrition in rural settings 407

25.Omega-3 polyunsaturated Fatty acid potential for post-traumatic stress and depression 427

26.Nutritional qualities of fermented beans of coastal sand dune wild legume Canavalia maritima 441

27.Metal contamination in soils in the Mediterranean area and implications for the food chain 463

Epidemics and disease during disasters

28.Extreme weather events and vector-borne diseases 489

29.Malaria control and management in disastrous situations 513

30.Insect-borne diseases after earthquakes: China aspects 527

31.HIV/AIDS, food insecurity, and undernourishment: amplifying cycles of risk in vulnerable populations 537

32.Aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone in dairy feeds and its impacts in the food chain 563

33.Anthrax outbreaks and public health implications 583

Index 595

About the editors 607

中国医科院医学信息研究所