The immediate effects of a hazard are termed what?

The term that best describes the immediate effects of a hazard is "hazard event." This concept focuses on the occurrence of a natural disaster or hazardous phenomenon, such as an earthquake, flood, or volcanic eruption, at a specific point in time. During a hazard event, significant impacts are felt immediately, including loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption to communities. Understanding this term is crucial for studying how hazards function and the effects they have on the environment and society.

In contrast, "disaster aftermath" refers to the phase following a hazard event, addressing the long-term consequences and recovery efforts. "Hazard consequences" pertains to the outcomes of a hazard event but may not specifically emphasize the immediacy of its effects. "Risk assessment" involves evaluating potential hazards and their impacts, rather than focusing on the event itself as it occurs. Each of these terms plays a role in the broader context of hazard studies, but "hazard event" specifically captures the initial impacts experienced during the occurrence of the hazard.