We watch movies that often have these striking plot lines of the heroes getting through a disaster as things crash down around them.
For example, in the new movie on Netflix, “Leave the World Behind,” a family leaves New York City for a weekend in the country, and the world falls apart. The movie ends (SPOILERS) as the family looks across a river and sees a battle breaking out inside the city.
Take, for example, the old survival disaster movie “Deep Impact” when the main character makes it after the comet crashes into Earth.
What the movies don’t show is often the most dangerous part…The aftermath.
Think about the loss of life during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake when the tsunami came ashore. The video captured was awful, but did you know more people died in the days, weeks, and months after the earthquake?
Ask yourself if you can make it a month without assistance. If not that may be a great goal to strive for because statics show that is the aftermath of a disaster when things are the most deadly.
One of the key factors contributing to increased danger after a natural disaster is the emergence of secondary hazards. These can include landslides, floods, aftershocks, and fires, all of which pose additional risks to affected areas. These secondary hazards can compound the destruction caused by the initial disaster, making the situation even more perilous.
Infrastructure damage is another significant concern. Roads, bridges, and utility systems are often severely impacted by natural disasters. This damage can impede the ability of emergency responders to reach those in need and disrupt essential services like electricity, water, and communication. As a result, recovery efforts are hampered, and the affected population may find themselves in increasingly dire circumstances.
Displacement is a common consequence of natural disasters, with people forced to leave their homes due to safety concerns. Overcrowded temporary shelters become breeding grounds for disease transmission and social tensions. The lack of adequate shelter and basic necessities like food and clean water can escalate the risk to human life.
The emotional and psychological toll of a disaster should not be underestimated. Individuals and communities often grapple with heightened stress, anxiety, and mental health issues, which can further complicate recovery efforts. After the disaster in Japan, sadly, there were many suicides.