Op-ed: Seismic Shocks, Systemic Challenges: Can Ethiopia’s health system withstand escalating earthquake threats?
By Abdo Husen @AbdoHAbdulkadir
Addis Abeba – Earthquakes and seismic activity are increasingly common in Ethiopia recently. It appears that 2025 will be no different, as Ethiopia saw a magnitude 5.8 earthquake a few days ago. The epicenter of this earthquake occurred in the southern Afar region near the border with the Oromia region. Yet, the aftershocks were felt by Addis Abeba residents—underscoring the magnitude of this earthquake.
Earthquakes produce sudden and intense tremors, which can culminate in disasters when they intersect with vulnerabilities in human systems. The consequences of such interactions can profoundly affect both human populations and natural ecosystems. If stronger earthquakes were to occur in Ethiopia, the public health consequences could be severe. Therefore, the health system needs to enhance its emergency preparedness and response mechanisms to prevent potential fatalities and assist the affected population in their recovery.
The public health impacts of earthquakes can be profound and multifaceted, ranging from immediate life-threatening injuries to long-term psychological challenges. In the aftermath of an earthquake, victims often face traumatic injuries directly caused by the quake’s violent shaking, alongside severe crushing injuries inflicted by falling debris. These situations typically necessitate urgent medical intervention, as emergency responders need to rush to aid those in critical condition.
In addition to these direct injuries, earthquakes can create a host of secondary hazards that further complicate the public health landscape. For instance, damaged electrical systems may lead to dangerous electrical fires, while ruptured gas lines can cause explosive leaks, igniting chaotic fires amidst the rubble in urban settings. The destruction of infrastructure not only increases the risk of injury but also disrupts essential services, complicating recovery efforts and contributing to widespread anxiety and distress in affected communities. Over time, these experiences can lead to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, underscoring the lasting toll of earthquakes on public well-being.
In disaster situations like this, health systems are often overwhelmed by excessive demand, leading to overstretched and inadequate emergency health services. Disruptions in social services, such as access to clean water and food, issues with shelter, and the deterioration of hygiene conditions, further exacerbate health challenges and place additional pressure on the health system. In the long term, this can result in disruptions in the management of chronic diseases, the spread of infectious diseases, and an increase in mental health issues, along with various environmental problems.
Health institutions play a vital role during earthquakes, but they can be severely affected depending on several factors, including the magnitude of the earthquake, its depth, duration, and the structural integrity of the buildings. These adverse effects can weaken emergency response and healthcare services. Anticipated disruptions to the health system as a result of an earthquake include damage to buildings, failures of medical equipment, and interruptions to essential utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. Additionally, in our context, it is important to consider potential disruptions to the supply chain due to transportation challenges coming out of road closures.
Our health system has faced significant strain due to epidemics such as malaria, as well as ongoing conflicts that weaken its effectiveness. Additionally, the economic challenges in the country have further impacted the health system. Some hospitals are barely operational due to a lack of essential supplies and equipment. The added stress of an earthquake would push our health system to the brink. Therefore, strengthening our health system in preparation for a potential geological disaster is the only way to prevent a complex catastrophe.
Strengthening the Acute Trauma Management system should be our starting point. We must train all healthcare professionals so that they can effectively respond to health emergencies. Additionally, we need to reinforce the supply chain system and create redundancies so disruptions are minimized.
The government’s response to the threat of volcanic eruptions has been prompt, as they are relocating communities at risk to protect lives. The National Disaster Risk Management Commission has also deployed a team to assess the potential risks and impacts. However, this initiative must be supplemented by strong health emergency preparedness to ensure the well-being of those in vulnerable areas. It is crucial to activate the existing public health emergency management strategy to monitor risks associated with earthquakes. The robust procedures we have in place can be utilized for planning and responding to current health risks related to earthquakes as well.
Encouraging active citizen participation is vital in developing effective strategies to minimize risks and bolster preparedness for emergencies within communities at risk of earthquakes. One promising approach is to establish and equip diverse, multidisciplinary teams focused on disaster monitoring and mitigation. These teams would serve as first responders, ready to act in the face of crises. In the event of a significant natural disaster, such as a powerful earthquake, relying solely on local resources can pose significant challenges. The scale of such an event may overwhelm community capacities, making it essential to have a well-coordinated response. Therefore, partnering with international and regional organizations to secure adequate funding and resources for response and recovery efforts is critical. This collaboration will ensure that communities are better prepared to face disasters, ultimately safeguarding lives and livelihoods. AS
Abdo Husen is a public health specialist by training, program manager at Operation Smile Ethiopia, and a senior global surgery advocacy fellow.
