Observed Hospital Damages Following the 2014 Mae Lao (Northern Thailand) Earthquake: A Survey Report

Abstract

On 5 May 2014, a Mw 6.1 earthquake occurred near Mae Lao (north Thailand), which damaged and disrupted healthcare services in the epicentral region because of structural and nonstructural damages. After providing a general summary of the observed ground motion and overall damages, a short description of the local healthcare system is addressed. Specific descriptions of the observed structural and nonstructural damages are provided based on a series of field surveys conducted between one and nine months after the mainshock. Although the observed structural damages were minimal, sustained nonstructural damages decreased the functionality of healthcare services for several weeks. Until recently, building regulations in Thailand and many other countries have aimed to preserve the structural integrity of buildings, and few studies have considered the seismic resistance of nonstructural components, particularly at hospitals. In addition, emergency planning should set functionality goals and develop plans for reaching them. This should include determination of the performance level expected of hospital buildings, medical equipment, and utility services to guarantee hospitals’ functionality during major disasters.