The Disaster Risk Equation

Question 1

Risk =

Answer 1

Hazard x Vulnerability/ Capacity (to cope)

The risk of disaster grows as global hazards and peoples vulnerability increase, while their capacity to cope decreases.

Question 2

What is capacity to cope?

Answer 2

A combination of all strengths and resources available within a community, society or organisation that can reduce the level of risk or the effects of a disaster. The ability of a community to absorb and ultimately recover from the effects of a natural hazard.

Question 3

Hazard

Answer 3

Not all hazards are equally devastating

Not all people are equally at risk of experiencing certain hazards

Question 4

The impacts of any hazard are a result of people’s vulnerability not necessarily the hazard’s strength. People remain exposed to risk (i.e are vulnerable) for a variety of reasons.

Answer 4

Vulnerable people do not live in dangerous places because they want to; they do it because they have to. Land may be cheaper, or unwanted by others.
Changing risk – rising sea levels mean that safe areas are now prone to flooding and storm surges. Deforestation of watersheds reduces interception and increases the risk of flooding.
There are always costs and benefits to living in high risk areas e.g the fertile soils on volcanoes versus the risk of eruption.