Differential impacts of disasters

DIFFERENTIAL IMPACTS OF DISASTERS

The phrase, 'differential impacts of disasters' is discussed below:

• Susceptibility to disasters is governed by the following factors:

1. If the population of the community consists of primarily young people, the impact would be low. Young people are generally healthy, active and can respond well to any event with negative consequences. 
2. Children, the elderly and women in the community are extremely susceptible and require assistance to handle any negative situation.
3. At times, religion also plays a significant role on the impact of a disaster.
4. Education plays a major role during disasters and the educated prove to be an extremely valuable resource as they respond to any emergency with the knowledge previously gained. Differential impacts of disasters are clearly seen in this case.
5. Economic standing of people plays a clear role in case of disasters. While the affluent can effectively respond to a disaster on their own, the economically weaker sections depend on the government for their evacuation, resettlement and rehabilitation.
6. Disasters and poverty are inextricably linked. The poor are the worst affected during any disaster.

Change in demographic patterns combined with mounting disaster losses have brought a focus on the manner in which changing demographic patterns shape vulnerability and resiliency of social systems.