DRRR L3

•A ____  has been defined in many ways; World Health Organization has defined _____ as any sudden occurrence of the events that cause damage, ecological disruption, loss of human life, deterioration of health and health services, on a scale sufficient to warrant an extraordinary response from outside the affected community or area.

DISASTER

is very important to survive in the case of a natural or a major man-made disaster and can be defined as the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular, preparedness, response, and recovery in order to lessen the impact of a sudden disaster.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

One of the most immediate effects of natural disasters is population displacement. When countries are ravaged by earthquakes or other powerful forces of nature, many people need to abandon their homes and seek shelter in other regions. A large influx of refugees can disrupt accessibility of health care and education, as well as food supplies and clean water.

DISPLACED POPULATIONS

Aside from the obvious immediate danger that natural disasters present, the secondary effect can be just as damaging. Severe flooding can result in stagnant water that allows breeding of waterborne bacteria and malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Without emergency relief from international aid 14 organizations and others, death tolls can rise even after the immediate danger has passed.

HEALTH RISKS

The aftermath of natural disasters affects the food supplies. Thousands of people around the world are hungry because of destroyed crops and loss of agricultural supplies, whether it happens suddenly in a storm or gradually in a drought. As a result, food prices rise reducing families’ purchasing power and increasing the risk of severe malnutrition or worse. The impacts of hunger following an earthquake, typhoon or hurricane can be tremendous, causing lifelong damage to children’s development.

FOOD SCARCITY

Natural disasters can be particularly traumatic for young children. Confronted with scenes of destruction and the deaths of friends and loved ones, many children develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a serious psychological condition resulting from extreme trauma. Left untreated, children suffering from PTSD can be prone to lasting psychological damage and emotional distress.

EMOTIONAL AFTERSHOCKS