Nontraumatic deaths associated with a natural catastrophe. The experience of the earthquake in Chile 1985 Muertes no traumáticas asociadas a una catástrofe natural. Experiencia del sismo ocurrido en Chile, 1985.

Abstract

We analyzed causes of death before and after the March 1985 earthquake in Valparaíso, Chile. Causes of death were obtained from death certificates. Apart from death directly due to trauma during the earthquake, a significant increase was observed in deaths due to accidents (+51), cardiovascular disease (+38), malnutrition (+13) and psychiatric disorders (+13). Retired males over age 65 were most affected.