Disasters have severe psychosocial consequences. The emotional wounds may be less visible than the destruction of homes and physical infrastructure, but it often takes far longer to recover from the emotional and psychological consequences than to overcome the material losses.

Psychosocial needs permeate and affect all other aspects such as shelter, food distribution and basic health care. Provision of traditional relief aid is, therefore, not enough. Neglecting emotional reactions may result in passive victims rather than active survivors. Early and adequate psychosocial support can prevent distress and suffering from developing into something more severe, and will help the people affected cope better and reconcile themselves to everyday life.