Why might a disaster cause a crowd to form?

A crowd might form in response to a disaster primarily due to the emotional and psychological reactions of individuals affected by the event. When faced with fear, hunger, or loss, people often congregate for various reasons, such as seeking comfort, support, or information. The shared experience of trauma tends to create a collective response where individuals gather to process their feelings and find security among others who are experiencing similar distress.

In such situations, the upheaval caused by the disaster leads to heightened emotions and urgency, prompting individuals to come together, whether to seek help, express concerns, or to access resources such as food and safety. This crowd formation is a natural human response to crises, reflecting the innate tendency to connect with others in times of vulnerability.

While other scenarios may involve crowd dynamics, they do not directly relate to the immediate and visceral reactions seen during or after a disaster, making them less relevant to the context of why crowds form in such situations.