Impacts and Vulnerability Factors
When hazards strike, they create social impacts (deaths, injuries, and psychological trauma), economic impacts (destroyed property and lost opportunities), and environmental impacts (damaged ecosystems). These effects aren't equally distributed across the globe.
Countries with low Human Development Index (HDI) scores face much higher vulnerability. People in these areas often lack basic necessities like clean water and food during normal times. Housing is frequently built without considering hazard resistance, healthcare access is poor, and lower education levels mean less hazard awareness.
Preparation methods can dramatically reduce these impacts. Effective monitoring systems, insurance coverage, environmental management, community education, and smart land-use planning all play crucial roles. The goal is preventing construction in dangerous areas and ensuring communities know how to respond.
Remember: Vulnerability isn't just about location—it's about a community's ability to prepare, respond, and recover from disasters.