Cloud burst in Leh: Pattern of casualties; challenges faced and recommendations based on the management of such natural disaster at multi-specialty hospital

Abstract

Background: The night of August 6, 2010, brought a rare natural phenomenon called cloud burst, which in a fraction of second devastated many parts of Leh and its surrounding areas leading to extensive loss of lives and properties. This article aims to explore the pattern of casualties and new challenges and recommendation based on the management of such rare natural disaster at multispecialty hospital. Methods and Results: A descriptive study of total 548 cloud burst-related casualties was carried out at multispecialty hospital, Leh. Totally, 297 (54.1%) casualties were attended in the first 10 h. Totally, 128 (23.3%) patients required admission. There were 339 (61.8%) male and 209 (38.1%) female patients. Maximum numbers of patients were in age group 31–40 years followed by 21–30 years. Maximum number of cases suffered from lacerated wound (n = 269, 49%) followed by polytrauma (n = 117, 21.3%), multiple abrasion (n = 75, 13.6%), fractures (n = 38, 6.9%), chest injury (n = 26, 4.7%), pregnancy with lacerated wound (n = 12, 2.1%), and least of head injury (n = 11, 2%). 180 (32.8%) patients were having associated ocular injuries. Few patients (n = 39, 7.1%) developed dermatological conditions when they were followed up in OPD. 26 people declared dead at the reception. Only three patients had fatal outcome during hospitalization phase. Conclusion: A practical, well-coordinated, and frequently practiced hospital disaster plan is very essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Ocular injuries were associated with most of the victims due to mud infiltration into their eyes. Information about admitted patient as well as preparation of good informative data in calamities and disaster is equally important in the management of disasters.