Earthquake in Guatemala: epidemiologic evaluation of the relief effort.

The damage wrought by the earthquake that recently struck Guatemala evoked a commendable and efficient national response. It also led to international relief activity that was clearly instrumental in assisting the country's short-term recovery efforts. At the same time, this initial recovery period caused a good deal of experience to be gained in the field of disaster management. Some of the lessons derived from the experience are examined, and a number of approaches are suggested for measurably improving both national and international response to future disasters of this kind.