Disaster Readiness & Risk Reduction (DRRR) Effects on Displaced Populations Quiz

Effects of Disasters on One's Life

• Displacement of populations is one of the most immediate effects of natural disasters, leading to a large influx of refugees, disrupting accessibility of healthcare, education, food supplies, and clean water.

Health Risks

• Severe flooding can result in stagnant water, allowing the breeding of waterborne bacteria and malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
• Injuries and death can be attributed directly to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters.
• Cholera and other communicable diseases often outbreak as a disaster aftermath.

Food Scarcity

• Natural disasters can destroy crops and agricultural supplies, leading to food scarcity and rising prices, reducing families' purchasing power and increasing the risk of severe malnutrition.

Emotional Aftershocks

• Natural disasters can be traumatic, especially for young children, leading to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• PTSD can cause lifelong psychological damage and emotional distress if left untreated.
• Warning signs of PTSD in adults include:
  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little
  • Feeling guilty, helpless, or hopeless
  • Avoiding family and friends
  • Being less interested in activities
  • Having conflict with peers or parents
  • Having difficulty concentrating
• For teens, the impact of disasters depends on the level of disruption caused to their family or daily life, leading to physical complaints, disinterest in schoolwork, and high-risk behaviors.

Planning Ahead

• To reduce damage caused by disasters, it is essential to take responsibility in anticipating its effects.
• Ways to plan ahead of a disaster include:
  • Checking for hazards at home
  • Educating oneself and family members
  • Identifying safe places indoors and outdoors
  • Having disaster kits/supplies on hand
  • Developing an emergency communication plan
  • Helping the community get ready
  • Practicing the Disaster Preparedness Cycle

Test your knowledge on the immediate effects of natural disasters, specifically the displacement of populations. Learn about how earthquakes and other powerful forces of nature can lead to people abandoning their homes and seeking shelter in other regions, disrupting healthcare, education, food supplies, and clean water accessibility.