Natural Disasters: Leaving People Homeless

It can happen to anyone of us. A hurricane, earthquake or wildfire that is out of control can destroy our home within minutes. We must never say never when it comes to the possibility of being homeless, especially when we consider the impact that natural disasters have. Worldwide natural disasters render middle class people near poverty and the poor, homeless.

 

Global Picture

More than 100 million people are homeless worldwide; many have lost their homes due to famine, war, failed government policies and natural disaster. In the past two decades, 141 million people worldwide have lost their homes due to 3,559 natural disasters such as floods, windstorms and earthquakes. According to experts, it is very difficult to get a handle on the real number of homeless people in the world because so many are unaccounted for. Nearly 98% of all homelessness caused by natural disasters occurs in developing countries. When a natural disaster sweeps through a heavily populated area, especially one that is poor to begin with millions of people are left homeless instantaneously. In economically challenged areas, the impact of a natural disaster can remain for generations. The Indonesian earthquake of 2004 left millions of people displaced and cost billions of dollars for recovery and reconstruction. Over five million homes collapsed, another 5 million suffered serious damage. Thousands were left homeless in central Europe in the spring and summer of 2010 as this area experienced weeks of heavy rain. A year does not pass that people all over the world do not experience being displaced from their homes for months or even years, awaiting recovery after a natural disaster.

 

The United States

Throughout history, floods, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes have left people immediately homeless and turned lives upside down. Over 3.5 million people in the United States are homeless. This equates to about 1% of the population. While there are a number of reasons why people become homeless, such as mental illness, domestic violence and unemployment, natural disasters also cause homelessness. Over 700,000 Americans became homeless after hurricane Katrina in 2005. While it is common for natural disasters to cause a temporary spike in the homeless population, this was not the case after hurricane Katrina. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, being a victim of a natural disaster is not necessarily a guarantee that you will receive government help, some people inevitably slip through the cracks. Those especially vulnerable include victims who are not able to advocate for themselves. Rent prices skyrocketed following the storm, and many who were already struggling to make ends meet before the hurricane now reside in tents under the Interstate 10 overpass. When hurricane Katrina hit, over 28 percent of people in New Orleans were already living below poverty levels. Many of these people not only lost their homes but also their jobs. The impact of the hurricane has had long reaching effects leaving thousands homeless almost seven years after the disaster.

 

Preparing for a Natural Disaster

While there is no telling when a disaster will strike or how many will be affected, we can all do our best to be prepared for such an event. International, federal, and local efforts should focus on helping those who are poor, uninsured and have the fewest resources. Additionally, resources should be allocated to improve infrastructure to withstand the insult of disaster. We should never say never!

 

About the Author: When she is not homeschooling her children, Susan can be found writing on a wide variety of social problems including homelessness. She recently wrote an article explaining how social service providers can benefit from using social services software.