![]() ISAR live rescues as a percentage of death toll for each earthquake event over 30-year period from 1985-2015 (Maximum possible live rescues as % of death toll figure used for Armenia, range 0.26-0.54). Finally, we propose alternatives to postearthquake ISAR, focusing on pre-disaster risk reduction (DRR) and local capacity building.įirst ISAR team arrival post earthquake (hours) We also explore the evidence for local rescue after earthquakes, usually by relatives and neighbours, and costs involved in international response. ISAR effectiveness has not been previously systematically reviewed, so this paper assesses ISAR response to earthquake disasters and its contribution to saving lives, by reviewing literature and other evidence from past earthquake ISAR response, using the number of people extricated from rubble alive as a direct measure of success. 22 This inherent corruption further sets back overall development and proliferates the ongoing need for ISAR. 21 The reasons why some buildings are more likely to collapse than others are complex, but ultimately are often due to inadequate building standards or lack of enforcement of them, due to a failure to invest in standards and enforcement, alongside officials and the building industry ignoring any standards and protocols for financial gain. 2 19 Rapid construction of often multistorey buildings result in higher building density and occupancy, 20 increasing potential earthquake disaster impacts. The populations threatened by earthquake disasters are increasing, largely due to population growth and infrastructure development without seismic safety measures. 17 This widens socioeconomic and other inequities, delaying progress in reducing health inequalities in affected populations. 16 Poverty affects the ability to recover for example, an earning family member’s death, destruction of property or livelihood interruption pushes people further into poverty and sets back overall development by years. While richer countries tend to experience higher costs due to damage to infrastructure of higher financial value, poorer countries have so far typically had higher mortality. ![]() 15Įarthquakes have a significant impact on global health and development. 14 Since 2005, INSARAG has developed a classification system, INSARAG External Classification (IEC), designating teams as ‘medium’ or ‘heavy’ such that their capabilities can be established before deployment. 13 In 2002, a UN resolution was adopted endorsing INSARAG and establishing international consensus on the need for ISAR teams in postdisaster response. 12 Its main aim, and one of its key successes, has been establishing regularly reviewed, minimum international standards and guidelines for SAR. ![]() 10 Following a repeat of these issues after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia, 9 11 attempts were made to harmonise international efforts, resulting in the 1991 formation of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), a global network of countries and organisations dealing with SAR related issues, operating under the UN’s umbrella. The results were chaotic, with different teams arguing over how to perform rescues, time wasted repeatedly searching the same buildings and overall poor coordination. 7 After the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City, the combination of collapse of multiple reinforced concrete buildings, and the advent of 24-hour news beaming pictures of the devastation around the world, led to several SAR teams, usually only operating domestically in their home counties, deploying internationally. Prior to 1985, earthquake ISAR teams did not formally exist, with ad hoc response from international specialists to some events. As some countries lack professional teams, or adequate capacity, international SAR (ISAR) teams frequently respond. SAR is defined as the location and extraction of trapped individuals, either informally by relatives and neighbours or formally by professional local or intentional teams. 4–6 Search and rescue (SAR) is therefore an immediate priority. The most common cause of earthquake-related casualties is building collapse. 1 2 The threat from earthquakes disproportionately affects poorer countries, where lack of building standards and ineffective response infrastructure often coexist. In the last 20 years, earthquakes have affected 125 million people, leading to around 750 000 deaths.
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