Myanmar Earthquake: Major Health Risks and Long-Term Impact

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake recently struck Myanmar, sending shockwaves across the region and causing widespread destruction. Earthquakes of this magnitude pose severe risks to human life, infrastructure, and overall public health. The immediate effects of such a disaster can be catastrophic, but the long-term health implications are equally concerning. From traumatic injuries and infectious disease outbreaks to mental health crises and inadequate healthcare access, the impact on public health can be profound and long-lasting.

This article explores the major devastating health issues that can arise following a high-magnitude earthquake like the one in Myanmar.

1. Immediate Physical Injuries and Trauma

The most immediate health concern after a massive earthquake is the surge in injuries caused by collapsing buildings, falling debris, and ground fissures. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe conditions such as:

• Fractures and Broken Bones: Many victims suffer from broken limbs due to falling objects or being trapped under rubble.

• Head and Spinal Injuries: Falling debris can lead to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage, potentially causing long-term disabilities.

• Crush Syndrome: When people are trapped under debris for extended periods, their muscles may be deprived of oxygen. Upon rescue, the sudden release of toxins into the bloodstream can lead to kidney failure and even death.

• Lacerations and Open Wounds: Sharp debris can cause deep cuts, leading to excessive blood loss and infections if not treated promptly.

• Burns and Smoke Inhalation: Fires caused by gas leaks or electrical malfunctions after an earthquake can result in severe burns and respiratory complications.

Many victims require urgent medical attention, but with hospitals overwhelmed and medical supplies running low, treating these injuries becomes a significant challenge.

2. Mental Health and Psychological Trauma

Earthquakes do not just harm the body; they take a severe toll on mental health as well. The psychological impact of witnessing destruction, losing loved ones, or facing an uncertain future can be devastating. Some common mental health issues that may arise include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Many survivors experience nightmares, flashbacks, and extreme anxiety after living through such a terrifying event.

• Depression and Grief: The loss of family members, homes, and livelihoods can lead to long-term depression and feelings of hopelessness.

• Anxiety Disorders: Constant fear of aftershocks and the inability to return to normal life can lead to anxiety disorders.

• Sleep Disorders: Many survivors struggle with insomnia due to stress, trauma, or unsafe living conditions.

Mental health services are often inadequate in disaster-affected regions, making it essential to provide psychological first aid, counseling, and community support systems for survivors.

3. Waterborne and Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Following a powerful earthquake, access to clean water and sanitation becomes a major issue. Damaged pipelines and contaminated water sources can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as:

• Cholera: Caused by consuming contaminated water, cholera leads to severe diarrhea, dehydration, and death if untreated.

• Typhoid Fever: Spread through contaminated food and water, typhoid can cause high fever, weakness, and intestinal complications.

• Dysentery: This infection causes severe diarrhea with blood, leading to dehydration and malnutrition, particularly in children.

Additionally, the presence of overcrowded shelters and lack of hygiene can trigger other infectious diseases, including:

• Respiratory Infections: Poor ventilation in temporary shelters can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis outbreaks.

• Skin Infections: Lack of clean water can lead to scabies, fungal infections, and open wound infections.

Quick action is required to provide clean drinking water, improve sanitation, and deliver vaccines to prevent large-scale outbreaks.

4. Malnutrition and Food Insecurity

A major earthquake disrupts food supply chains, destroys farmlands, and limits access to nutritious food. This can lead to severe malnutrition, especially among children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Common nutritional problems in earthquake-affected regions include:

• Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM): A lack of essential nutrients weakens immunity, making people more vulnerable to infections.

• Micronutrient Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins and minerals can cause conditions such as anemia (iron deficiency) and night blindness (vitamin A deficiency).

• Increased Infant Mortality: Malnourished pregnant women give birth to underweight babies who have a higher risk of death in infancy.

Humanitarian agencies must work quickly to provide emergency food supplies and ensure access to nutrient-rich meals to prevent widespread hunger and malnutrition.

5. Increased Risk of Chronic Disease Complications

For people with existing medical conditions, an earthquake can be life-threatening due to the sudden lack of access to healthcare. Common chronic conditions that may worsen include:

• Diabetes: Patients may be unable to access insulin or maintain a proper diet, leading to life-threatening complications.

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Stress and lack of medication can trigger heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure crises.

• Asthma and Respiratory Diseases: Dust, debris, and smoke from fires can worsen respiratory conditions, making it difficult to breathe.

• Kidney Failure: Patients who rely on dialysis may face life-threatening complications if treatment facilities are disrupted.

To address this, emergency response teams need to prioritize providing essential medicines, ensuring continuity of care, and setting up mobile medical units in affected areas.

6. Poor Maternal and Child Healthcare

Pregnant women, new mothers, and infants are particularly vulnerable in disaster situations. The earthquake may cause:

• Increased Maternal Mortality: Lack of medical facilities and trained healthcare workers can lead to fatal complications during childbirth.

• Premature Births: High-stress situations can trigger preterm labor, increasing the risk of neonatal deaths.

• Lack of Access to Vaccines: Children may miss critical vaccinations, making them more susceptible to preventable diseases such as measles and polio.

Emergency maternal and child health services should be a priority, ensuring safe delivery options, neonatal care, and immunization programs in affected areas.

7. The Spread of Vector-Borne Diseases

Natural disasters like earthquakes can increase the risk of vector-borne diseases. Stagnant water from broken pipes or damaged sewage systems can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to outbreaks of:

• Dengue Fever: A mosquito-borne viral infection that causes high fever, severe pain, and in some cases, life-threatening complications.

• Malaria: Increases during disaster situations due to lack of mosquito control measures.

• Leptospirosis: Caused by exposure to contaminated water, leading to severe liver and kidney damage.

Public health measures such as insecticide spraying, mosquito net distribution, and improved sanitation must be implemented to prevent outbreaks.

8. Disruption of Healthcare Systems

A high-magnitude earthquake can destroy hospitals, clinics, and medical supply chains, leading to severe disruptions in healthcare services. Common challenges include:

• Damaged Hospitals: Many medical facilities may become non-functional due to structural damage.

• Shortage of Medical Supplies: Lack of essential medicines, surgical tools, and basic healthcare materials.

• Overcrowding in Hospitals: A sudden surge in injured patients can overwhelm hospitals, leading to delays in treatment.

• Limited Healthcare Personnel: Many doctors and nurses may be injured or unable to reach hospitals.

Rebuilding healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the delivery of essential medical supplies must be an immediate priority in disaster response efforts.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake like the one in Myanmar is not just a geological disaster; it is a major public health crisis. The devastating impact on human life extends far beyond the immediate destruction. From traumatic injuries and infectious disease outbreaks to mental health issues and food insecurity, the consequences can last for months or even years.

Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated response involving government agencies, international aid organizations, and healthcare professionals. Urgent action must be taken to restore healthcare services, provide clean water and food, prevent disease outbreaks, and support the mental well-being of survivors.

Only through swift and comprehensive intervention can Myanmar mitigate the long-term health consequences of this tragic disaster and help affected communities rebuild their lives.