MODULE 1: BASIC CONCEPT OF DISASTER AND DISASTER RISK Flashcards
In this module, the learners will hold an understanding about disaster and develop a firm grasp of a very crucial factor that has direct bearing on disaster and disaster risk.
“a sudden, calamitous occurrence that causes great harm,
injury, destruction, and devastation to life and property
Disaster
disrupts the usual
course of life, causing both physical and emotional distress such as an intense
feeling of helplessness and hopelessness
Disaster
“a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society
involving widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and
impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to
cope using its own resources”
(Food and Agriculture Organization, 2008)
(United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction)
Disaster
Disasters are often a result of?
exposure to a hazard
conditions of vulnerability that are present
insufficient capacity or measures to reduce or cope with the potential negative consequences
Classifications of Disasters (2 major)
Natural
Man-made
a natural phenomenon is caused by natural forces,
such as earthquakes, typhoon, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, fires,
tornados, and extreme temperatures. They can be classified as rapid onset
disasters and those with progressive onset, such as droughts that lead to
famine. These events, usually sudden, can have tremendous effects
Natural Disasters
Disasters caused by man are those in which major direct
causes are identifiable intentional or non-intentional human actions
Man-made
Three categoriews of Man-made disasters
technological/industrial
terrorism/violence
complex humanitarian emergencies
Unregulated industrialization and
inadequate safety standards increase the risk for industrial disasters.
EXAMPLE: leaks of hazardous materials; accidental explosions; bridge or
road collapses, or vehicle collisions; Power cuts
Technological/Industrial Disasters
the threat of terrorism has also increased due to
the spread of technologies involving nuclear, biological, and chemical
agents used to develop weapons of mass destruction.
EXAMPLE : bombs or explosions; release of chemical materials; release of
biological agents; release of radioactive agents; multiple or massive
shootings; mutinies
Terrorism/Violence
used to describe the humanitarian emergency resulting from an
international or civil war. In such situations, large numbers of people are
displaced from their homes due to the lack of personal safety and the
disruption of basic infrastructure including food distribution, water,
electricity, and sanitation, or communities are left stranded and isolated
in their own homes unable to access assistance.
EXAMPLE: conflicts or wars and Genocide the deliberate killing of a large
group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation
Complex Humanitarian Emergencies
“the combination of the probability of an event and its
negative consequences” (UNISDR, 2009)
Risk
usually associated
with the degree to which humans cannot cope (lack of capacity) with a
situation (e.g. natural hazard).
Risk
the potential (not actual and realized)
disaster losses, in lives, health status, livelihoods, assets, and services which
could occur in a community or society over some specified future time period
Disaster Risk
product of the possible damage caused by a hazard
due to the vulnerability within a community. It should be noted that the effect
of a hazard (of a particular magnitude) would affect communities differently
(Von Kotze, 1999:35).
Disaster Risk
