Use of the damage and loss assessment methodology to estimate the effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic

Given the human, social and economic impacts of COVID-19 across the world and the Latin American and Caribbean region, since its onset the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has focused its work agenda on assessing the impact of the pandemic on the three dimensions of sustainable development. To contribute to these efforts, this paper presents the Methodology for the Assessment of Disasters (known as Damage and Loss Assessment – DaLa) developed by ECLAC, and its applicability in the national assessments of the effects of COVID-19. The Commission is therefore making this tool and the technical support for its implementation available to the countries. In the current context, it is important to have a consistent methodology with which to examine the sectoral effects of the pandemic on the countries of the region.