The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) developed a comprehensive methodology for disaster damage and loss assessment to estimate the socio-economic impact of disasters. Initially formulated in the 1970s and continuously updated, the ECLAC methodology has become an internationally accepted framework used by governments, international organizations, and disaster management agencies. It provides a systematic approach for evaluating the direct and indirect effects of disasters and supports planning for recovery, reconstruction, and sustainable development. The ECLAC methodology is based on the principle that disasters affect not only physical infrastructure but also the economy, society, and environment. Therefore, the assessment goes beyond counting damaged buildings and infrastructure to measure the broader impact on production, employment, public finances, livelihoods, and human well-being. It enables decision-makers to estimate the financial resources required for recovery and to design policies that reduce future disaster risks.