Damage assessment refers to the process of evaluating the extent and severity of harm or destruction caused by a disaster or crisis. Several synonyms for the term damage assessment include damage evaluation, harm analysis, impact analysis, disaster appraisal, crisis assessment, and damage estimation. These phrases convey the same meaning and are often used interchangeably in disaster management literature and practice. Other related terms include damage survey, damage assessment report, risk assessment, and needs assessment. The primary objective of conducting damage assessment is to gather data on the scope and scale of the damage to aid in relief and recovery efforts.