3. Disasters disrupt economies since regular
business operations andother economicactivities
are hampered as a result of the destruction and
damage to critical facilities, particularly to
transportation and communication facilities.
Disasters can have a significant impact on local
businesses, which can in turn affect the local
economy as a whole. Here are some ways
disasters canaffect economy:
ECONOMIC
IMPACT
4. Disruption of supply chains: Disasters can disrupt supply chains,
leading to delays in the transportation and distribution of
agricultural products. This can reduce the availability of food and
leadtopricespikes.
Crop and livestock losses: Disasters such as droughts, floods,
hurricanes, volcanic eruptions and wildfires can cause crop and
livestock losses. This can reduce the supply of food, leading to
higherprices forconsumersandlowerincomeforfarmers.
5. Disruptions to the flow of good and services - lower output from
damaged or destroyed assets and infrastructures and the loss of
earningsasincome-generatingopportunities areaffected.
Reduced farm income and food security: Disasters can reduce farm
income, which can have a ripple effect on the local economy. In
addition,disasterscanleadtoreducedfood security,particularlyin
vulnerable populations, as food supplies become more limited and
expensive.
11. Global environmental change refers to the
various environmental problems that are
happening all around the world. There is
increasing evidence of a global climatic change
brought by both human activity and disasters.
Other catastrophes, such as wildfires, floods, and
tornadoes, can completely defoliate forests and
cause ecosystems to experience other forms of
structural changes. Here are some ways disasters
canaffect economy:
GLOBAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
CHANGE
12. Water pollution: Disasters can lead to water pollution, as a result of
contaminated runoff from damaged infrastructure and debris. This
can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems and affect the
availability ofcleanwaterforhumanandanimalconsumption.
Habitat destruction: Disasters can destroy natural habitats, leading
to the loss of biodiversity and negatively impacting wildlife
populations. This can have long-term effects on the ecosystem,
including changes in predator-prey relationships and decreased
resilience tofutureenvironmental changes.
13. Soil erosion: Disasters such as floods, landslides, and wildfires can
cause significant soil erosion, which can lead to a loss of topsoil
and reduced soil productivity. This can affect the ability of the land
to support crops and vegetation, leading to long-term
environmental impacts.
18. When we refer to social and political impacts of
disasters, we are typically talking about the effects of a
disaster on the social and political systems of an
affected area. Social impacts can include changes in
community dynamics, social cohesion, and cultural
practices, as well as challenges related to
displacement, access to basic needs, and mental
health. Political impacts can include changes in
government priorities, shifts in policy and resource
allocation, changes in the distribution of power and
influence,andimpactsoninternationalrelations
SOCIAL AND
POLITICAL IMPACT
19. Displacement and migration: Disasters can force people to leave
their homes and communities, leading to displacement and
migration. This can cause a range of social challenges, including
loss of livelihood, difficulty accessing healthcare and education,
andsocial andculturaldisruptions.
Loss of life and injury: Disasters can cause loss of life and injury,
leaving families andcommunities devastated.
20. Mental health impacts: Disasters can have a significant impact on
mental health, leading to increased levels of stress, anxiety,
depression, andpost-traumaticstressdisorder(PTSD).
Access to basic needs: Disasters can disrupt the supply of basic
needs such as food, water, and healthcare, leaving affected
individuals and communities vulnerable to disease, malnutrition,
andotherhealth problems.
21. Changes in government priorities: Disasters can lead to changes in
government priorities, with a greater focus on disaster response
and recovery efforts. This can lead to changes in policy and
resource allocation, potentially affecting a range of other political
issues.
