What are the short-term and long-term impacts of natural hazards?

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What are the short-term and long-term impacts of natural hazards?

Short-Term Impacts of Natural Hazards

Short-term impacts manifest in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, typically within the first few days or weeks.

These impacts include:

  • Loss of life and injuries to individuals.
  • Significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
  • Economic disruptions and environmental degradation.

Initial response efforts focus on emergency search and rescue operations and providing essential medical care, food, water, and temporary shelter.

Long-Term Impacts

Long-term impacts emerge after the initial weeks and can persist for several years.

These impacts involve:

  • Rebuilding and provision of permanent housing.
  • Restoration and enhancement of educational facilities.
  • Development and improvement of emergency response infrastructure.

The focus shifts to long-term recovery and resilience, aiming to rebuild communities and reduce future vulnerabilities.

Summary

  • Short-Term Impacts

    Immediate effects of natural hazards include loss of life, injuries, infrastructure damage, economic disruptions, and environmental degradation, with a focus on emergency response efforts like search and rescue, medical care, and temporary shelter.

  • Long-Term Impacts

    These emerge after the initial weeks and include rebuilding housing, restoring infrastructure, and enhancing emergency response systems to reduce future risks.

  • Response Priorities

    Early efforts focus on life-saving measures and providing essentials like food, water, and medical care, while later efforts aim at long-term recovery and resilience.

  • Recovery Goals

    Long-term recovery involves rebuilding communities, improving educational facilities, and strengthening disaster preparedness infrastructure.

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