Human impact of the Managua earthquake disaster.

Earthquakes, in contrast to other geophysical hazards, do not favor extensive human adjustment because of the rarity of the event and suddenness of onset. Transitional societies are especially vulnerable because much of the folk wisdom has disappeared or atrophied, and minimal applications of technology may actually increase the catastrophic potential. The expectations for support and relief have shifted from family and clan to government before the actual capacity to provide such aid has been realised. The early response to the disaster in Managua can best be understood by recognising; (1) the existence of a highly centralised government, thin on human and material resources operating in a delicate political matrix; (2) the strong extended family system in this urban setting; and (3) the wide and highly visible disparity in socio-economic status among the population