How does poverty cause disasters?

Answer 1

Poverty can exacerbate the impact of disasters by limiting access to resources, information, and services that aid in preparedness and recovery. Vulnerable communities often reside in high-risk areas, such as floodplains or unstable slopes, and lack the means to invest in resilient infrastructure. Additionally, inadequate healthcare, housing, and education systems can hinder effective response and recovery efforts, leaving those in poverty more susceptible to the devastating effects of disasters. Ultimately, poverty creates a cycle of vulnerability that intensifies the consequences of natural hazards.