Disasters

Disasters refer to sudden, catastrophic events that cause significant disruption to the normal functioning of a community or society. They may result in loss of life, injury, damage to property, and destruction of infrastructure. Disasters can be natural, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, or human-made, like industrial accidents, terrorism, or environmental degradation. The impact of a disaster often overwhelms local resources, requiring external assistance and coordinated efforts for response, recovery, and rebuilding. The study and management of disasters encompass prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience in affected populations.