Potato crops in idaho have been damaged by plant disease, causing a scarcity of potatoes in the market. what is the most likely effect of the scarcity?

The correct answer is: "there will be an excess of demand, and price will increase to reestablish the market equilibrium"

If there is a sudden shock in the market of potatos which causes scarcity, the supply curve shifts to the left (as shown in the attached graph) and a new equilibrium point will be reached due to an increase in the price charged for potatoes, while the amount exchanged has decreased. The increase in price has reduced the amount of consumers who are willing to purchase potatoes at the more expensive price, and the price will keep on rising until the quantity demanded matches the quantity supplied after the shock.

the earthquake in haiti was a magnitude of 7.0 according to the u.s geological survey yet the smaller earthquake in haiti killed more than 200,000 and left more than 1.2 million people homeless. the chile earthquake was a magnitude of 8.8 and 500 times more stronger but chile's earthquake only injured 712 people.