Objectives To rapidly assess the sanitation of centralized allocations after an earthquake in Jinggu County, to find out main potential hazards for environmental health and to take prevention and correction measures.

Methods Field surveys were conducted in 5~10 days after the earthquake by using questionnaire, including the hygienic status of water, lavatory and garbage disposal.

Results Fifty centralized allocations were surveyed; and four persons shared a camp on average in these allocations. The water in 56% (28/50) of allocations were not supplied by centralized waterworks. In these 28 allocations without centralized water supply, 36% (10/28) of water sources were surrounded by pollution sources, 14% (4/28) of water sources were not managed by special personnel, and 21% (6/28) of water sources were lack of protecting facilities. There was no toilet in 54% (27/50) of centralized allocations. The garbage was stacked in 14% (7/50) of centralized allocations, and the garbage in 34% (17/50) of centralized allocations was thrown anywhere.

Conclusions The sanitation of centralized allocations in Jinggu County after the earthquake was bad; some risk factors could cause the transmissions of infectious diseases; and measures should be adopted to improve the sanitation and public health.