Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction of their nature and magnitude of triggering hazards, exposed
Basic Concept of Disaster and Disaster Risk elements at risk, and vulnerabilities will help us deal with
potential disasters.
The Occurrence of a Disaster
Factors That Determine the Magnitude of Disaster
The occurrence of a disaster depends on the interplay
between a natural phenomenon or event (that can turn into a 1. The severity of the natural event
hazard) and the vulnerability of populations exposed 2. The quantity of exposure of the elements at risk which
(exposure and vulnerability). includes lives and properties
3. Vulnerability level or quality of exposureDisaster
The Elements of Risk
➢ Thus, Disaster Risk can be expressed as a function of
hazard, exposure, and vulnerability
or
Disaster Risk = Hazard x Exposure x
Vulnerability
Different kinds of hazard can contribute to disaster
When Does a Natural Event Become a Hazard?
➢ Natural events do not automatically become hazards,
much less cause disasters.
➢ Under what circumstances then do natural phenomena can
be considered hazards? Natural phenomena can be
considered hazards when the threat of damage,
injury, and even death exists.
When Does a Hazard Become a Disaster?
➢ A disaster happens when the probable destructive agent,
known as the hazard, hits a vulnerable populated area.
➢ Therefore, a natural event like a volcanic eruption or
tsunami becomes a disaster only if it hits vulnerable Disaster Risk Reduction through Reduction of Exposure
populations and properties. and Vulnerability
The Relationship between Hazard, Disaster, and Defining Disaster
Disaster- It is a serious
and tragic event that
causes loss of lives, human
suffering, and great
damages to properties and
environment.
• It happens when community lack the capacity to adapt to
disruptions that further affect the socio-economic, political,
psychological, and cultural state of individuals and
families in communities.
• However, the impact of disasters varies depending on
geographical location and vulnerability of population,
among others.
It Pays to Be Aware
Vulnerability Being aware of the nature of hazards and what these can do to
people and other elements at risk is the first step in every effort
Recognizing the Differences of Disasters to minimize the effects of disasters.
No two disasters are alike. And although some are definitely
similar, appreciating their differences in terms
Characteristics of Disasters
• Disasters are inherently unexpected or come quickly with
little or no warning, resulting in, widespread death, injury,
and property damage.
• Disasters cannot be managed through normal means, thus,
they often require immediate and effective intervention of
both national government agencies (NGAs) and non-
government organizations (NGOs) to help meet the needs
of the victims. They know no political boundary.
• They require restructured and new responding
organizations.
• They create new tasks and requires more people as disaster
responders.
• They render inutile routine emergency response equipment
and facilities.
• They worsen confusion in understanding roles of peoples
and organizations
• They expose lack of disaster planning, response and
coordination. Inexperienced disaster organizations often
fail to see what their proper roles are.
Impacts of Disasters
• Deaths
• Destruction or damage to homes and buildings
• Destruction of crops and decreased quality or quantity of
water
• Medical effects
• Damage to critical facilities
• Disruption of transportation
• Wider economic impact
• Global environmental change
• Social and political impact
