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

Short-Term Impacts:

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.