title: Risk factors for mortality in the Bangladesh cyclone of 1991.
abstract: Cyclones continue to pose a dangerous threat to the coastal populations of Bangladesh, despite improvements in disaster control procedures. After 138,000 persons died in the April 1991 cyclone, we carried out a rapid epidemiological assessment to determine factors associated with cyclone-related mortality and to identify prevention strategies. A nonrandom survey of 45 housing clusters comprising 1123 persons showed that mortality was greatest among under-10-year-olds (26%) and women older than 40 years (31%). Nearly 22% of persons who did not reach a concrete or brick structure died, whereas all persons who sought refuge in such structures survived. Future cyclone-associated mortality in Bangladesh could be prevented by more effective warnings leading to an earlier response, better access to designated cyclone shelters, and improved preparedness in high-risk communities. In particular, deaths among women and under-10-year-olds could be reduced by ensuring that they are given special attention by families, neighbours, local authorities, and especially those in charge of early warnings and emergency evacuation.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory and Enteric Virus Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bern
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sniezek
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Mathbor
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Siddiqi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ronsmans
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Chowdhury
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Choudhury
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Islam
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bennish
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Noji
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001459:Bangladesh / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004190:Disasters / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009026:Mortality