ABSTRACT
The relationship between disasters and social change is an intriguing, albeit complex, one. There can be no denying that a natural disaster, particularly one of the magnitude of Hurricane Andrew, alters in dramatic fashion the biophysical environment. The destruction and damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, technology, and the natural environment required major alterations in "normal" activities - creating the disaster as a social event. Within a matter of hours Andrew qualitatively and quantitatively adjusted the nature and magnitude of needs of individuals, groups, and organizations throughout the Miami metropolitan area. Adaptation and change were required and inevitable.
