Impact or Effects of Disaster-1

The impact of disasters will cause loss of lives and property including disruption of transportation, utilities, communications systems and fuel supplies. When one of these important elements in our support system breaks down, it has a domino effect causing other elements to falter. When multiple elements break down, the effect could be crippling. As a result, we will see more loss of lives and
properties, and affected social and economic communities. Disasters can also cause impact to the environment, the individual, family and communities. Listed below are the effects of a disaster:

(a) Individual impact;
(b) Community impact;
(c) Economic impact; and
(d) Environmental impact.

Let us discuss this further.

(a) Individual Impact
The outbreak of a disaster could affect an individual both physically and mentally. Disasters that occur cause loss of property, loss of shelter, mild and severe injury or emotional disturbance. The impact of trauma on individuals involved may lead to a significant migration to a safer place.

(b) Community Impact
Psychosocial interventions must be tailored to address the needs of the target population, with special attention paid to vulnerable groups such as children, women and the elderly. These should also be modulated according to the phase of recovery following the occurrence of the event because each phase will highlight different needs.

(c) Economic Impact
A disaster has numerous impacts on the economy. This is due to the destruction of crops and industry and as a result, loss of revenue. The government has to spend a large amount of money to indemnify damaged crops and industrial products. Efforts to improve the economy takes a long time.

(d) Environmental Impact
Forest fires that occurred throughout California in 2009 as well as the forest fires in Indonesia are examples of how the land is being damaged and can damage the ecosystem of the area of origin. Forest fires can also cause haze.

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