Describe the immediate and long-term effects of earthquakes on individuals and communities.

Earthquakes have profound effects on people's lives, causing immediate devastation and long-term challenges. Initially, they lead to widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and displacement as homes are rendered uninhabitable. Beyond the physical damage, earthquakes inflict significant psychological trauma, leaving survivors with lasting fear and anxiety. Economically, communities suffer from destroyed businesses, job losses, and the immense cost of rebuilding, often hindering recovery for years.