Disasters make humans behave differently. For example, disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, can make a calm person to lose his or her composure and start to scream. Likewise, human behavioral patterns vary from one person to another, and this variation depends on the situation an individual is in. Disasters strike unexpectedly and abruptly, putting individuals in unusual situations. Thus, when something unexpected and/or unusual occurs, it can make us start to behave differently during and after the disaster. In addition, we may see others showing behavioral patterns that may seem abnormal under normal circumstances. This paper will delve into evaluating how a disaster impacts human behavior. Several theories can be employed to explain how disasters affect an individual’s behavioral patterns. To such theories include the conflict theory and the symbolic interaction theories (Mooney et al., 2007). The conflict theory is most commonly associated with Karl Marx. It holds that society is well understood in terms of conflict and power. This theory entails a macro-level analysis (Mooney et al., 2007). It is based on the assumption that society is constructed around its economic organization. According to conflict theory, society consists of two classes: the rich and the poor (Mooney et al., 2007). These two groups are characterized by conflict and power. They oppose one another and experience ongoing class conflict. Disasters affect the poor disproportionately due to a lack of resources. The lack of resources makes this group fail to address disasters adequately. In the case of Hurricane Katrina, rich people had the resources to flee the disaster. However, poor people were hit hard because they had nowhere to go. The symbolic interaction theory entails a micro-level analysis. It holds that human life is lived in the symbolic domain (Mooney et al., 2007). This theory places emphasis that all humans are equal, and regardless of their social class, all humans will be treated equally during a disaster. According to this theory, social status does not matter during the time of a natural disaster. Everyone is a victim, meaning that everyone will be treated equally. In the case of Hurricane Katrina, all the victims were treated equally. The government sent first responders and other aids to help the victims. The victims were treated equally regardless of their social status. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, often cause widespread disruptions of the functioning of the society. It often results in loss of lives, destruction of property, and negative impacts on the environment. In most cases, the effects caused by disasters exceed the ability of the affected society to cope or respond using the remaining available resources. Hurricane Katrina led to the destruction of properties and infrastructure. It led to power cuts and economic losses. The common impacts of disasters are known; therefore, disaster plans ought to address disaster impacts. This can be achieved through disaster preparedness. Najafi et al. (2017) define disaster preparedness as “actions that ensure resources necessary to carry out an effective response are available before a disaster, or they can be obtained when needed” (9). According to Najafi et al. (2017), disaster preparedness is preparations and adjustments that reduce risk or injury and damage. It helps people respond to disasters and adjust accordingly. The media often help people adjust to disasters by giving details on how to cope or how to stay safe. Humans exhibit many types of behaviors when faced by a calamity or disaster. These behaviors include a consideration, looting, disaster shock, confinement, evacuation, panic, and deviant behavior, among other behaviors (Provitolo et al., 2011). Panic is the fear of isolation and a behavioral distinct. Hurricane Katrina instilled fear and panic among the residents. The media plays a crucial role when it comes to informing people about a disaster. However, it can also instill fear and panic. Some people often take advantage of disasters to carry out lootings. For example, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, episodes of looting became more widespread (National Research Council, 2006). A disaster can influence human behavior either positively or negatively. The negative influence of disasters includes fear, panic, and looting. Some people usually take advantage of a situation to their advantage. This includes looters and other criminals. With regard to te positive influences, disasters often bring people together. Despite having their city and properties demolished, the victims of Hurricane Katrina helped each other during and after the hurricane to get food and shelter. However, some people took advantage of the situation and looted other people’s property to make money. For example, some victims looted medical stores to get pills and medicines. The U.S. has systems in place that are designed to respond to disasters. This includes government agencies and humanitarian agencies, such as the Red Cross. The U.S. Federal and state governments often respond to disasters to help the public by sending first responders and helicopters to evacuated people. They also provide relief food and shelter to help the victims. Non-profit organizations like the Red Cross also respond to disasters in the U.S., and outside the U.S., The Red Cross uses the donations it gets from donors to provide shelters, food, water, medication, and other supplies to the victims. Other states also respond to disasters in similar ways. In addition, the Red Cross is available across many countries, and this organization often helps people. The Bible mentions many disasters. Most of the disasters mentioned in the Bible occurred as a result of geology, weather patterns, and other natural forces. In Genesis 1, we learn Good created a perfect world, although it has changed significantly due to a number of factors, including human exploration and disobedience. In Deuteronomy 28:15-68, God warns the Israelites of disastrous consequences if they continue to disobey him. According to Gaillard & Texier (2010), many disasters are caused by human activities. As Christians, we should always be ready to respond to disasters with love and compassion. We should also find ways to help those affected, as well as explore opportunities to minimize the occurred of disasters in the future.
References
Gaillard, J. C., & Texier, P. (2010). Religions, natural hazards, and disasters: An introduction.
Mooney, L. A., Knox, D., & Schacht, C. (2007). The three main sociological perspectives. Understanding Social Problems , 1-2.
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Najafi, M., Ardalan, A., Akbarisari, A., Noorbala, A. A., & Elmi, H. (2017). The theory of planned behavior and disaster preparedness. PLoS currents , 9 .
National Research Council. (2006). Facing hazards and disasters: Understanding human dimensions . National Academies Press.
Provitolo, D., Dubos-Paillard, E., & Müller, J. P. (2011). Emergent human behaviour during a disaster: thematic# versus# complex systems approaches.
