Risk factors for death and injuries in earthquake: cross-sectional study from Afyon, Turkey

To assess the risk factors for deaths and injuries caused by earthquakes in a high-risk earthquake zone.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Eber town, Cay County, following the earthquake of February 3, 2002 in Afyon, Turkey. This area was particularly affected by the earthquake, with high number of casualties, including many fatalities. The study included 812 persons living in Eber at the time of the earthquake. The study population was interviewed at their homes to obtain information on the deaths and non-fatal injuries, along with potential risk factors for death and injuries. These included the type and degree of the damage to the building, precise location and the initial actions of victims at the moment of the earthquake, and socio-demographic data.

Earthquake-related mortality rate was 16 per 1,000 people, injury rate was 22 per 1,000 people, and death/injury ratio was 1:1.4. During the earthquake, 60% of the buildings collapsed or were heavily damaged. Risk factors for death and injury were higher among those who lived in collapsed or heavily damaged buildings, wooden type buildings, or those who were near the outer walls during the earthquake.

The most important risk factor for earthquake-induced mortality and morbidity was the degree of damage to the building. Another important risk factor was the location of the individual inside the room at the time of the quake.