We all have heard about natural disasters and their devastating effects. However, most of us don’t have much experience with them. Powerful forces of nature cause these catastrophes which further affect lives of millions of people each year. Disaster relief is then needed which requires money, so crowdfunding is a new method to raise money for those areas devastated.
They are so powerful that they can displace an entire community overnight or even destroy landscapes beyond recognition. It is unfortunate that these disasters are unpreventable and occur worldwide.
When it comes to inflicting long-term effects, natural disasters are perfect at that. They are associated with severe weather conditions and natural processes whose impact on the environment, economy, and society lasts for a long period.
Ask anyone who has been affected by these events. They will narrate to you how they underwent a period of grief as they rebuild everything from scratch. It is a serious loss, a substantial one.
In a move to offer relief to those affected by these disasters, crowdfunding is the tool that is being used. It is a grown industry that has transformed the way people give. It is through this tool that donors have finally established a connection with disaster cases.
Types of Natural Disasters:
Floods
Floods refer to moving water which can be very destructive. They are destructive forces of nature that are caused by substantial rain, storm surges or dams whose walls break. Floods are in the form of rushing water which is powerful enough to sweep away cars, destroy buildings or even bring an entire community to its knees.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are good at destroying anything that comes along their way. The funnel-like clouds gain speed picks up debris and destroys anything in a matter of seconds.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are born from tropical ocean storms and produce a significant amount of energy as they are coupled with thunderstorm and heavy rainfall. They cause storm surges that in turn result in devastating effects on the community.
Wildfires
High temperatures and lightning can trigger wildfires. Do not also forget human-caused fires are common incidences. Fire blazes can last for a few weeks or go on into weeks.
Earthquakes
These are frequent occurrences that vary in their magnitude. Whenever major earthquakes hit densely populated areas, severe destruction and a high number of casualties is always the result.
Drought
This refers to a period when there is a low amount of rainfall for a given season or more in a particular area. At this time, the land becomes dry to the extent of cracking and breaking up due to lack of moisture.
Tsunamis
Tsunami is caused by underwater disturbances such as volcanic eruption and earthquakes. The series of gigantic waves produces a very strong force which causes damages. Coastal communities are the most affected because of water surges that first hit these areas.
Immediate and Long-Term Needs after a Natural Disaster
Natural disaster victims suffer from low-quality of life. However, the Disaster Relief Nonprofit Organizations roles out an emergency recovery plan on an international level. Short-term strategies used to help the victims include the provision of:
- Food
- Medical services
- Water
These are the basic and most vital three necessities that must be provided after a natural disaster. Long-term interventions, on the other hand, concentrate on rebuilding the structures. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, rolling out the long-term recovery program could take five years. The main goal is to put in place better and stable structures that can stand up to the test during harsh weather conditions. This is achieved through the collaboration of both the National Government and the existing Nonprofit Relief Programs.
How Can You Be of Help In The Event of Natural Disaster?
Well, perhaps you could be wondering what you can do to help given the immeasurable devastation caused by natural disasters.
Even though people have become resilient, resources can be sent to affected areas through a combined effort. Solidarity is always powerful regardless of the extent of damage caused by natural disasters.
Here are tips on how you can be of great help in the wake of natural disasters.
1. Sign Up And Volunteer
It takes time for a community to gain its footing after a natural disaster. It is, therefore, generous of anyone who volunteers to work with a Nonprofit Disaster Relief Organization. You will be able to help the disaster victims directly.
By volunteering, you become an essential part of the entire recovery process. A team of Disaster Relief Volunteers works together to comfort victims both in the wake of disasters and in the long-term. In the event of a disaster, teams are sent out to provide medical care, rescue, and other resources.
Long-term recovery focuses on sustainable rebuilding. Through combined effort by Volunteers, communities can recover much quicker, be hopeful and be empowered to a whole new level.
2. Join Crowdfunding For Natural Disasters
This is an initiative that allows people to combine their efforts in solidarity and offer assistance to areas affected by natural disasters. It creates real-life stories of various communities fighting for their lives with a goal of calling for help in the recovery process across the globe.
Many people may not be willing to participate in crowdfunding. However, they can contribute towards the same by:
- Creating a campaign group to raise funds that to use in your relief efforts
- Creating an online fundraiser to help needy families
- Create a campaign whose purpose is to channel its funds to Nonprofit Disaster Relief Organization.
Alternatively, you can buy food, clean water, and other resources and send them to disaster-stricken areas.
3. Donate Blood
At all times, there is a requirement of blood donation. However, in the wake of natural disaster, blood donation could save several lives.
Whenever a disaster occurs, blood is shipped immediately to affected areas. This only means several hospitals will be in need of a large amount of blood.
By donating blood, local blood banks get enough blood. When you donate blood, you are directly saving lives.
Tips For Disaster Relief Crowdfunding
Use of social media is the key to succeeding in crowdfunding, especially in promoting the fundraiser. Another way to boost your campaign is by using viral videos.
You can learn more about videos and how they can make your campaign a success. Additionally, the tile used in the campaign should be captivating. Also, remember that honesty should show itself in your campaign.
Here are a few tips you should consider when naming the online fundraiser. The name used should be able to draw the attention of the public.
- To show transparency in all your undertakings, indicate how you will use funds
- Request the local media to publish your campaign and put a link to your site
- Contact local business persons so that they can lend their hand in case of a disaster. In most cases, they are willing to help when residents are involved in the fundraising
- Ensure to update your campaign regularly with the latest details and outline specific needs. Let people know the urgency of the situation so they can respond faster.
- Never forget to thank your donors at the end of everything
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