This publication outlines why post-disaster needs assessments (PDNA) should provide comprehensive details of the economic and social impacts of disasters on countries to swiftly mobilize resources and support resilient recovery. Using a theoretical case study highlighting the aftermath of an earthquake and subsequent flooding, the publication shows how the cost to property, infrastructure, and production can be calculated and built into a PDNA. It illustrates why PDNAs should consider key sectors such as health and energy, and factor the macroeconomic and personal impacts of catastrophic events into the total estimate of post-disaster recovery and reconstruction.