Disasters: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, and floods

Natural disasters (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, floods) affect the lives of hundreds of millions of people every year, and their impact is increasing year on year because of continuing expansion of human populations into increasingly exposed areas, with environmental degradation making these settlements more vulnerable, especially in heavily urbanized areas. Future climate change may exacerbate matters, with many forecasts predicting an increase in hurricanes, severe wind storms, flooding and droughts.

Disasters are chaotic, but communities can plan and prepare to reduce their impacts. Most deaths in sudden disasters happen before outside aid arrives, hence building local response capacity is crucial. However, international disaster relief can be rapidly and effectively dispatched to needy countries that are politically willing to accept it, and relief teams have an important role in restoring roads and bridges, bringing in potable water, ensuring solid waste management, food protection, vector control, and sanitation. Attendances at medical facilities may return to normal within a few days of a disaster, and restoration of primary care then becomes the priority, rather than emergency treatment.