Chapter 3. Social and Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters produce consequences beyond physical destruction by affecting health, infrastructure, livelihoods, social relationships, and the wider economy. Health impacts may include deaths, injuries, disease outbreaks, psychological distress, and long-term medical and psychosocial needs. Vulnerable groups, including children, older people, and persons with disabilities, may experience more severe impacts when access to basic services is limited. Damage to housing, public facilities, transportation networks, agriculture, irrigation, tourism, and fisheries can generate substantial economic losses. Agricultural and coastal communities are particularly vulnerable when land, livestock, equipment, or sources of income are lost. Prolonged displacement can weaken social networks and increase inequality. At the national level, resources may have to be redirected from productive development to emergency response and recovery, potentially slowing long-term development. These conditions highlight the need for risk reduction strategies that strengthen health services, resilient infrastructure, social protection, and livelihoods.