Food and nutrition
Food shortages in the aftermath of a disaster are generally due to two causes. The first is the destruction of food stocks in the affected area, which combines with personal losses to reduce the immediate availability or affordability of food. The second is disorganized distribution systems, which may contribute to shortages even if there is no absolute scarcity of food. Efficient food distribution may be a key need in the short term, but large-scale imports or donations of food are seldom needed. One crucial exception must be mentioned: the case of mass displacements of people.