Skip navigation



How do people react?

Most people show signs of emotional stress as an immediate reaction to a disaster. Different people react differently and most recover spontaneously or with the help of others. Information on disasters and mental health can assist relief workers to identify and communicate better with affected persons and to be alert for abnormal behaviour. Information can also assist in early treatment, thereby increasing chances of recovery.

Phases of Reaction

  1. Pre-impact - the period when a disaster is impending.

    2. Behaviour patterns vary but may include:

    • Under activity
    • Refusal to prepare for disaster impact
    • Tendency to adopt an attitude that a disaster will not occur
    • Anxiety
  2. Warning - the period when a disaster is imminent and warnings are posted and announced.

    3. Some behaviour patterns may include:

    • Frantic search for information on what to do to evade the impact
    • Over reacting, sometimes described as panic
    • Restlessness
    • Calmness
  3. Impact - the period during which the event occurs.

    4. Behaviour patterns include:

    • A large portion of the population may be stunned, but most recover quickly
    • A small portion show confusion, paralysis and anxiety
    • A hard core of survivors retains their awareness, appraises the situation and decides on actions. This group provides the leadership, helps relieve distress and organizes services and communications
  4. Recovery - After impact when individuals have had time to take stock of the situation.

    5. Some reactions are:

    • Gradual return to awareness, recall and emotional expression
    • Emotions of fear, anger, loss of trust, dependency and anxiety
    • Alternative periods of crying and laughing
    • Child-like dependency
    • Positive and immediate actions

People who survive a disaster are strongly motivated not only to repair the damage done, but also to bring something positive out of the ruins.