Year: 1993
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Introduction: During the earthquake (EQ) that struck Erzincan, Turkey in March 1992, many mid-rise masonry and concrete buildings (MRB) collapsed.An important reason for the collapse was the frequent use of the first story for commercial stores, causing an open, "soft" story.Engineering reports hypothesized that, in particular, such building collapses were lethal.In view of the increasing use of such buildings in urban areas, a further examination was conducted of the relation between building type and lethality following the EQ.Methods: Geophysical and structural information was gathered from official records, independent engineering reports, and visual inspection.The site of victim deaths was determined from official records.Further information was collected for a sample of deaths through stratified, random interviews of eye witnesses.Of this sample, the subset who died in MRB (n = 23) was compared to a randomized control group who survived MRB (n = 28) collapse.Results: Though all building types were subjected to similar seismic intensity (Mercalli IX), MRB and one-story adobe structures appeared most vulnerable to collapse.Of the 466 people who died in the city, 456 were indoors with most (418) dying in MRB collapses.Building occupancy rates could not be determined accurately.In this sample, deaths in MRB collapses occurred more likely on the first story (p <.O2).The study was unable to determine whether the victims' position within the room or his/her behavior influenced outcome.Conclusion: Though fatality rates could not be determined, MRB collapse appears to be associated with an inappropriately high number of fatalities in comparison with other building types.A "soft" first story especially appears to be lethal.Deaths might be prevented by enforcing building codes which should include the design of first stories.Discussion: Controversial points include: 1) lack of recognition of the importance of emergency medical measures; 2) delay of information to medical institutions; 3) no participation of physicians in the triage process despite the seriousness of the accident; and 4) no cars or helicopters for physicians.Counter-measures include: 1) creation of emergency manuals to prepare physicians for participation in emergency medical procedures; 2) triage conducted by physicians; 3) cars or helicopters available for physicians; and 4) joint practices involving all concerned parties.Conclusions: Emergency medical treatment, including quick response time, must be planned for by creating manuals and determining practices for disaster prevention in Japan.
Authors: D.C Angus, E.A Pretto, J Abrams, N Ceciliano, Y Watoh, B Kirimli, E Ricci, P Safar, the Disaster Reanimatology Study Group
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Language: English
Subfield: Transportation
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1026127155