What is the difference between a primary and a secondary effect of a natural disaster?

In the case of a natural disaster, there will be a whole range of effects. The simplest way to distinguish between these effects is to categorise them as primary or secondary. A primary effect is one that is directly caused by the disaster, is an integral part of the disaster itself; in the case of an earthquake, it would be the ground shaking, or in the case of a volcanic eruption, lava pouring out of the volcano. A secondary effect will then happen as a result of this; a mudslide cascading down the side of the slopes of the volcano from the rising lava for example. In the case of an earthquake, a secondary effect is collapsing buildings because of the ground shaking. 

Answered by Annie G. History tutor

64507 Views

See similar History GCSE tutors

Related History GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How should I analyse a primary source?


What was the START agreement?


How did Tsar Nicholas II survive the 1905 Revolution? (6 marks)


How do I analyse a source?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy