the period of time after something such as a war, storm, or accident when people are still dealing with the results

Link to present incidents:
Images from Haiti in the aftermath of an earthquake which is feared to have killed tens of thousands of people and left at least 3m more in need of aid after the island suffered its worst earthquake in 200 years on January 12, 2010.
(Belfast Telegraph, 26 Jan)

New Jersey residents are frantically trying to contact loved ones and friends from Haiti in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in the country that may have left thousands dead. (nj.com, Jan 13)