A natural disaster is a harmful impact on the environment following a natural hazard event or disaster. It is also a catastrophic event triggered by natural processes of the Earth. Examples of natural disasters include earthquakes, droughts, volcanic activity, floods, landslides, and wildfires. Others ,include ice storms, firestorms, blizzards, thunderstorms, dust storms, hails, sinkholes, and tornadoes. Natural disasters cause significant damage to the environment, human life, and property.

One of the natural disasters in the last 5 years in the United States that had a negative impact on life and property is Hurricane Ida. It was a destructive Category 4 Atlantic hurricane that occurred in August 2021 resulting in widespread damage of life and property. The hurricane brought heavy rainfall, storm surges, and high winds, which led to widespread power outages, flooding, and structural damage. Pre-disaster planning could have helped to identify the vulnerable populations including the elderly, low-income households,  and the disabled. As a result, it could have guided resources are allocated efficiently before, during, and after the disaster. Besides, addressing the social determinants of health can help reduce the long-term health impacts of natural disasters.

Moreover, there is need to ensure that people affected by natural disasters have continuos access to healthcare services, electricity, clean water, and sanitation to prevent disease outbreaks and manage chronic conditions.  Surveyllance system helps monitor for outbreaks of infectious diseases respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and vector-borne diseases that can arise post-disaster. The government should establish mobile clinics to collect real-time data on disease incidence and prevalence in shelters and affected communities. Furthermore, the givernment and stakeholders need to use epidemiological data to assist in the distribution of medical supplies, vaccines, clean water, and sanitation facilities to the most affected and at-risk areas. Those affected need immediate care, including water, mental healthandvaccination.