Disasters that affect Vulnerable Populations Essay Example

like the Fukushima meltdown and ethnic conflicts that fill the world (Cherniack, 2008).

The impoverished

Unlike the elderly can be of any age, ethnic minority or majority or have their locations anywhere. However, similar to the old the impoverished are also susceptible to disasters. A prime example is the Haitian earthquake of 2010 which vastly destroyed the impoverished nation. Haiti is a small developing country which means a large size of the population is poor. Also, the country is highly populated and densely located in the city where the earthquake hit hardest. Over 200,000 people were killed in the earthquake and its subsequent aftermath. (Donner, 2011) Most of the fatalities were felt in the slums and poor neighborhoods where the structures were not build to withstand earthquakes.

Today, a large portion of the displaced population lives in camps due to lack of any means to move or rebuilt again. The poor are also at risk for disasters like famine, epidemics and pandemics due to their locations in informal settlements. Most of the world’s poor population dwell in urban areas that where health facilities and infrastructures are poorly organized. As such, the impoverished are susceptible to famine, droughts, diseases, and earthquakes.

The women and children

The women and children are always considered to be more sensitive to risk than boys and men. While there are claims that women have a larger tolerance for risk and are better suited to respond, statistics indicate otherwise. Women, especially single women are relatively poorer than men. Such adversities ensure women are more likely to suffer a natural disaster. For example, the Katrina highlighted the plight of women when it was discovered they suffered more fatalities

than men and boys. Also, tradition social roles for women like secondary responsibilities of child care increase their risk in case of disasters. Women and children are susceptible to earthquakes, diseases, tsunamis, hurricanes and famines (donner, 2011).

Solutions for vulnerable populations

Building a more resilient vulnerable is an objective that should be undertaken by every stakeholder in the society. One particular aspect that needs to be controlled is the population explosion. Population increase expands the risk for the vulnerable population. In addition, the people should move to ensure policy makers and the government enact more policies that lay steps to prevent adverse effects of disasters on the vulnerable population. Such policies should also emphasize representation for the misrepresented vulnerable populations. Developing elaborate and efficient communication and alert systems will also aid vulnerable people like the elderly and disable prepare. Also, organizations should ensure when disaster strikes that disaster-related assistance is accessible to the impoverished.

References

• Cherniack, E. (2008). The impact of natural disasters on the elderly. Am Journal disaster Med, 3(3) 133-9.
• Donner, W. (2011, January). Disaster Risk and Vulnerability: The Role and Impact of Population and Society. Retrieved from Population Reference Bureau: http://www.prb.org/Publications/Articles/2011/disaster-risk.aspx