Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction Handouts by M.S.

Reyes

OVERVIEW OF THE SUBJECT

DISASTER - a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great
damage or loss of life.
READINESS - the state of being fully prepared for something.
RISK - a situation involving exposure to danger
REDUCTION - the act or fact of making a specified thing smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
DISASTER READINESS - the state of being fully prepared (readiness) for a sudden event, such as
an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life (disaster)
RISK REDUCTION - the act or fact of making a situation involving exposure to danger (risk) smaller
or less in amount, degree, or size (reduction)
DISASTER READINESS AND RISK REDUCTION - the state of being fully prepared (readiness) for a
sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of
life (disaster) AND the act or fact of making a situation involving exposure to danger (risk) smaller
or less in amount, degree, or size
(reduction)

THE SCIENCE OF DISASTER RISK

Everywhere these days, we hear of disasters, prompting us to pause and think that this planet
called earth that we live in is becoming more and more dangerous. Every time we hear of
disasters, we are inclined to assess and believe that they have become part of everyone’s life.
Every now and then, we encounter news of disasters so powerful that they render us defenseless.
To us humans, such disasters are unwanted events because of their negative effects on life,
property and the environment, and because of the manner by which they strike - in many cases,
fast and fierce, and without warning. But disasters are not totally bad altogether. To Mother
Earth, these are her ways of attaining ecological equilibrium or balance of nature when agitated.
More often than not, disasters bring harm rather than good, and it is for this reason that we pay
great deal of attention to them. Our desire to escape nature’s harm further drives us to become
more conscious of what disasters can do to us.

Disasters interrupt our daily lives as they bring about drastic changes that cause us to slow down
or lose momentum in our work as individuals, as a group and as a nation. They also make the rich
poor and the poor even poorer. Sadly, when they strike, the poor and those with special condition
are the ones most affected not only because of their low capacity to prepare for the event, but
also because of their limited ability to rise again.

DISASTER (DESASTRE; DISASTRO; DIS+ASTRO)

The term disaster originated from Middle French word desastre (1560’s), the Italian word
disastro meaning “ill-starred,” and the Greek pejorative dis meaning “bad” and astro “star.” The
Greek origin of the term initially had astrological implications, referring to circumstances
resulting from unfavorable positioning of the planets. The word has evolved to embrace various
circumstances that negatively impact people and their environment, including their properties,
regardless of whether these circumstances are natural or man-made.

DISASTERS AND NATURAL EARTH PROCESSES

Natural disasters used to be regarded as something unpredictable, unavoidable and
uncontrollable because they are said to be “acts of God” which man kind must just accept as

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punishment. With the development of scientific means of inquiry, this line of thinking was
eventually abandoned and replaced with the realization that natural disasters are results of
Earth’s natural processes. In addition, these events had repeatedly occurred in the past and
continue to do so in a cyclical fashion. Given the cyclic nature of natural processes, it is safe to
expect that an event that has taken place will happen again. and if we do not take proper
precautions, the event can lead to a disaster. Take the case of rain. It is common knowledge that
rain comes and goes. It can come again on another day, sometimes later within the day, or even
at time that we do not expect it.

The repetitive nature of natural processes implies that their occurrence is expected and
unavoidable. Our awareness that they will happen again can help us deal with them properly in
order to prevent or at least reduce the harm that they may wield upon us. Natural processes like
typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, to name some, will continue to occur, and these
may cause serious devastation. Hence, the extent of damage wrought as disasters strike depends
largely on our ability to prepare for them. If we choose to ignore warnings, them disasters will
knock us out hard that we will not be able to recognize them. Take the case of typhoons, for
example. We know for a fact that every year, our country experiences numerous weather
disturbances during typhoon season. Being aware of such, we are expected to prepare for their
coming and for their aftermath (i.e., floods, storm surges and landslides). Activities we undertake
should be geared toward ensuring people’s safety and protection from harm. If we do not take
action then we should be ready to accept the consequences and blame no one.

Due to their inevitability, geological, geophysical and hydro-atmospheric processes are

“uncontrollable;” meaning, we cannot stop their occurrence. But the rate at which they occur
and the manner by which they affect us can be managed or controlled to some extent. Natural
processes affect us, humans, and vice versa. The extent of harm they wield on us depends,
however, on how we affect them.

Notwithstanding the unpredictability of natural hazards, disasters are actually predictable. Some
are uncontrollable although most are controllable to some extent. Disasters are predictable
because there are ways to foretell the incidents of hazards through various factors despite the
impossibility of determining the exact time and manner of their occurrence as well as the location
that they will precisely strike. This latter statement underscores the importance of minimizing
disaster impacts by preparing for their coming. But how can the effects of disasters be lessened,
if not prevented? It can be done through a thorough understanding of the nature of hazards -
their physical characteristics and processes.

DISASTER HAPPENS FOR A REASON

The fact is, disasters happen for a reason; and in most instances, their occurrence is greatly
influenced by factors related to human activities. A good comprehension of the science of
disasters, including the natural processes that cause them, teaches us how to properly deal with
them (Basher, 2013). Disasters can be likened to a food dish that results from “ingredients” mixed
together at a certain time and formula, thus the common expression “receipts for disasters.” If it
were food, then this would be one kind which we would definitely not want to have on our table.
DISASTER
DISASTER DEFINED

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

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affected community or society to cope using its own resources. (UNISDR, 2009) [United Nations
International Strategy for Disaster]

TYPES OF DISASTERS
Natural disasters occur when a natural phenomenon or a combination of different natural
phenomenon result in:
1. significant injury to, and even death of, humans and
animals; 2. destruction to physical infrastructures and
properties; and
3.damage to a great portion of, or the whole environment.

Man-made disasters are caused by human actions or activities such as:

1. deliberately/purposely
2. recklessness
3. technological imperfections
4. ignorance
5. complete disrespect for the environment, and
6. unwise decision

In almost all cases, disasters are a product of both natural phenomenon and human action or
inaction. But because they are greatly influenced by natural forces, some disasters are classified
as natural rather than manmade.

CONSEQUENCES OF DISASTERS
• Disasters do not choose their victims. When they strike, they impact the rich and the poor alike.
• Disasters do not choose the place where they will hit.
• Disasters do not choose the timing of their occurrence

BENEFITS (GOOD EFFECTS) OF DISASTER

1. increasing awareness of hazards and disasters
2. providing a better understanding of how natural processes work
3. aiding in the development of instrumentation for predicting hazards
4. prompting people to build a culture of safety and prevention
5. serving as an occasion to appreciate the gift nature
6. acting as channels through which nature corrects its imperfection, adjust to changes, and
attains balance
7. bringing people together and strengthening the culture of bayanihan (communal work or
unity)

HARMFUL (BAD EFFECTS) OF

DISASTER a. SOCIAL
➤ abrupt loss of lives
➤ crime

➤ domestic violence
➤ human migration
➤ human displacement (temporary or permanent

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➤ rise of new hazards (natural and anthropogenic)

➤ separation from family, friends and relatives
➤ disruption of social/community
activities ➤ slowdown of progress and
development

b. ECONOMIC
➤ Loss of economic opportunities
➤ temporary or permanent loss of livelihood
➤ food, water, land and fuel
scarcity ➤ rise of new hazards

c. PHYSICAL
➤ permanent or temporary damage to physical infrastructures like road networks, bridges, dams,

buildings, houses, etc

➤ permanent or temporary loss of physical possessions such as house, land, cars, appliances,
jewelries, documents, etc.
➤ property displacement
➤ rise of new hazards (natural and anthropogenic)

d. HEALTH
➤ permanent or temporary injury, disability or illness
➤ fear of the known (phobia/anxiety)
➤ physical stress
➤ psychological trauma

➤ epidemic

➤ pandemic

➤ rise of new hazards (natural and anthropogenic)

e. ENVIRONMENTAL
➤ damage to agricultural and other types of lands
➤ ecological imbalance
➤ damage or loss of habitat
➤ animal migration

➤ animal displacement

➤ biological extinction
➤ rise of new hazards (natural and anthropogenic)

• What is good about natural earth processes is that when they are at work, not all of them
necessarily end up in disasters. Disasters only occur when humans and/or localities are not
prepared during the time when natural events cross their path.

SEVERITY OF DISASTERS: HOW DO WE MEASURE?

The Severity or scale of a natural disaster indicates the strength or intensity of the event. This
implies two things:

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1. the physical strength or energy of the natural processes themselves (e.g., Sig. no. 4,
magnitude 5.1 earthquake), and
2. the level of impact on humans and their environment
Also known by other terminologies like disaster size, magnitude and intensity, the severity
suggests our level of vulnerability to hazards and, therefore, to risks posed by disasters, and
readiness in the face of both hazards and disasters. Relative to the foregoing statement, note two
important things: the inverse relationship that exists between vulnerability and readiness; and
the direct relationship that exists between vulnerability and severity. This means that we become
more vulnerable when we are less prepared for an event. Consequently, the more prepared we
are, the lesser the severity of the impact an event will have on us.

Simply put, it means that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a disaster. However, if it cannot
be avoided, we can minimise its impact on us. Definitely, we cannot stop natural processes from
occurring, but we surely can influence the way they affect us.

The million dollar question is HOW?

We have to be knowledgeable of what these natural processes are, how they behave, and what
harm they can cause. Keep in mind that we cannot go against the processes of nature but we can
always work with them harmoniously. This means that we should adjust to processes of nature
so that they will become beneficial instead of harmful to us. If we do, then there is no disaster to
worry about. Remember, disasters do not just happen without a reason. They are triggered by
several factors, most of which can be attributed to human activity.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DISASTER
• Inherently unexpected or come quickly with a little or no warning
• cannot be managed through normal means
• knows no political boundaries
• requires restructured and new responding organizations
• creates new task and requires more people as disaster responders
• renders inutile routine emergency response equipment and facilities
• worsens confusion in understanding roles of peoples and organizations
• exposes lack of disasters planning, response and coordination

DISASTER PERSPECTIVE
There is no single filed of study that can claim monopoly over the subject of natural disasters for
this a broad subject matter. It is so wide-ranging that it embraces all fields of knowledge. It is
multidisciplinary and it affects all sectors of society. The best and only way to fully comprehend
natural disasters and their implications is to view them from various angles.

a. ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE - disasters are more of a result of human interventions

rather than geological, geophysical, and/or hydro-meteorological extremes

- PROPONENT: ANTHONY OLIVER SMITH (1999)

- such as earthquakes, hurricanes, droughts, and flooding, among others
- they are brought about by existing social orders, human environmental relations
influenced their historical experiences and cultural practices

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- while most disasters are sudden in occurrence, some are a result of a slow process like
drought that are built through time.
- Following Oliver-Smith’s thinking, disasters can be prevented, mitigated and prepared
for in the future

b. ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE

- disasters disrupt and slow down human activities that help generate economy and make
it flow; they interrupt progress and development by destroying human, physical and
capital resources, among others
- disasters affect everyone; but when they do, those which are affected the most are the
poor, the impoverished communities and the developing nations

c. HEALTH PERSPECTIVE - if during normal times, hospitals, clinics and medical services are
already overwhelmed by various cases, you can imagine disaster events multiplying these
cases a hundredfold

- furthermore, during disasters, hospitals and other medical facilities can be destroyed
and hospital staff members affected, resulting in service interruptions or reduction, or
both. Such conditions partly translate an increase in morbidity and mortality
- during disasters and immediately after, access to medical resources such as medicines,
medical supplies and equipment becomes difficult, and those who have already been
suffering from certain illness prior to the calamity stand to suffer much more due to
supplies shortage problems and health aggravations.
- the absence of water, food, power, and shelter can lead to an increase in health-related
cases. Overcrowding at evacuation centers can give rise to rapid spread of serious
communicable diseases, epidemics and other neurological disorders like anxiety and
depression among the victims.
- in whole, disasters greatly affect the quality of human life, thereby adversely affecting
human thinking and behavior.

d. CULTU-HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE - from a cultu-hisorical perspective, disasters have long

been regarded as something beyond human control because they were seen as “punitive
acts of God”

- this belief dates back to biblical times when people thought that a deluge was a
punishment for humans’ sinful ways, among which is disrespect for the environment.
- another view is that disasters are not a punishment but God’s way of bringing people
together to work as one, making them realise the value and beauty of His wonderful
creations and the natural processes of nature.
- Sadly, a twisted view of some pious people has led to complacency and stubbornness
rather appreciation of nature and proactive disposition toward nature preservation and
human survival.
- they have been inclined to think that natural disasters are part and parcel of life -
something which we must live with and cannot do anything about

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e. POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE - disasters are political because they are somehow an outcome of

the quality of leadership and strength or forcefulness of political will of local and national
leaders.

- the ability of a locality or a country to battle the impacts of disasters reflects the strength
and political will of their leaders, as well as their degree of being well-informed, upright
and concerned about their constituents.
- it mirrors their leaders’ commitment to bring about a well-informed and prepared
constituency with a proper perspective on disasters.
f. PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

- Apart from physical and economic impacts, disasters may also lead to psychological
trauma.
- Ex: PTSD
- In many cases, the victims recover by themselves with the support of relatives and
friends. some, though, may need professional help, especially if after 2 weeks, they have
not gotten over the trauma. Usually, they can be helped with medical treatment.
- otherwise, a psychological trauma can lead to mental illness, particularly in persons who
are predisposed to having them as a result of their genetic make-up

g. SOCIO-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE - From a socio-cultural prespective, natural hazards have

great bearing on shaping human civilization and their natural environment. They can
interrupt and slow down cultural development.

- At the same time, cultural factors influence the way humans perceive natural hazards
and disasters.
- Example: belief - disasters are works of GOD
- It is said that during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, the Aetas, the indigenous people that
inhabit the vicinity of the volcano, believed that the eruption of the volcano was God’s
fury, partly attributed to various human actions, among them the complete disregard
for the environment

h. SCIENTIFIC-TECHNOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE - A good understanding of the characteristics of

natural hazards encourages appropriate human actions against disasters, inasmuch as this
perspective views natural disasters as effects of natural forces such as volcanic eruptions,
tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and landslides among others.
- This understanding can only be acquired through scientific inquiries
- Each natural hazard has its own characteristics, yet a particular hazard may behave
differently in various locations, communities, or countries.
- example, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 may impact two localities differently -
once can have sever damages but not that much in the other. Scientific and
technological factors have something to do with this variation. Perhaps, science and

technology are better applied in the latter scenario. i. GENDER PERSPECTIVE - Limited

studies about gender and their relation to disasters have shown that disasters do not
treat men, women and children equally.

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- In fact, women and children are the most disadvantaged ones in times of natural
disasters.
- Their physiology, social construction and cultural orientation contribute to their
unfavourable position.
- they are more at risk of being victims of sexual assault, domestic violence,
discrimination, various forms of abuse, not to mention health problems
- data from 141 countries affected by disasters in the period 1981-2002 indicate that
disasters lower the women’s life expectancy more significantly than men
- Also, women, boys and girls are 14 times more likely to die in a disaster. (UNDP, 2010)
- It should be emphasised that women and girls were not born weak, and neither are they
weak, as they are depicted in stereotypical sense. Unfortunately, circumstances have
made them appear to be one.
- Aside from women, children are also the common victims of disasters.
- Due to their full dependency on adults for their physical, financial, moral, educational
and emotional needs, children have no choice but to be at higher end of hazard
vulnerability and disaster risk spectra.
- their physical and biological conditions make them vulnerable to disasters.
- their mental capacities and level of education, especially the very young ones, do not
allow them yet to fully comprehend the implications of these natural phenomena on
them.
- on certain occasions, the stage of curiosity of these children does them more harm than
good.
ELEMENTS OF
DISASTER a. HAZARD
b. VULNERABILITY
c. EXPOSURE

➤ Disasters happen when the probable destructive agent (HAZARD), hits a VULNERABLE
populated area. Example: Tsunami waves that are about to hit a beach area with people,
animals, tress and houses are considered as hazard. After the tsunami hits the populated
area, it is no longer just a hazard but a disaster with victims and destruction or damage all
over the place
➤ A natural event like volcanic eruption which hits an uninhabited area does not qualify as a
disaster.
➤ it becomes a disaster only if it hits vulnerable population and properties (exposure) - in short
if there are victims

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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HAZARD, VULNERABILITY AND DISASTER

NO DISASTER

DISASTER

HAZARD
DEFINITION:

• A dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition that may cause loss of life,
injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and
economic disruption, or environmental damage. [UNISDR ,2009 (adapted by Philippines DRR
Law, 2010)].

• Anything - object, substance, situation, behaviour, or activity - that can bring harm to people,
things and the environment. The harm can be physical injury or damage to various aspect of
one’s life, illness or disease, or worse, death. (DRRR, De Leon, 2016)

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TYPES OF HAZARDS
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION:

a. Natural Hazards

- naturally occurring events that pose threats to people, their properties and their
environment

- brought about by natural physical earth processes

- these natural phenomena per se are not hazards, but when they interact with humans
and those they care about, then they become natural hazards. (DRRR, De Leon, 2016)

b. Man-made Hazards (artificial hazards, human-induced hazards)

-caused by human actions or activities, or their inaction (DRRR, De Leon, 2016)

MAN-MADE AND
NATURAL HAZARDS TECHNOLOGICAL
HAZARDS

Naturally-occurring physical phenomena caused either A hazard originating

by rapid or slow onset events events which can be from technological or
geophysical (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis and industrial conditions,
volcanic activity), hydrological (avalanches and floods), including accidents,
climatological (extreme temperatures, drought and dangerous
wildfires), meteorological (cyclones and storms/wave procedures,
surges) or biological (disease epidemics and infrastructure failures,
insect/animal plagues). or specific human
activities.

Technological or
manmade hazards
(complex
DEFINITION
emergencies/conflicts,
famine, displaced
populations, industrial
accidents and
transport accidents)
are events that are
caused by humans and
occur in or c l o s e t o
h u m a n settlements.
This can include
environmental
degradation, pollution
and accidents.

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BIOLOGICAL GEOLOGICAL HYDROMETEORO

HAZARD HAZARD - LOGICAL
HAZARD

GREEK (“bios” - life) (“geo” - Earth) (“hydro” - water)

ETYMOLOGY (“meteoros” -
sky)

DEFINITION P r o c e s s o r p h Geological process Processor

e n o m e n o n o or phenomenon phenomenon of
(2009 f organic origin or atmospheri
UNISDR conveyedby
c , hydrological or
Terminolog biological oceanograp
y on vectors/ agents,
including e x p o s hic
Disaster nature
u r e t o
Risk
pathogenic
Reduction) micro-
organisms, toxins
andbioactiv
e
substances
EXAMPLE Ebola Virus, flu Ballistic projectiles Tornado, flood,
virus, rabies ( R o c k s f r o m a typhoon, forest
n erupting fire, tsunami
volcano), g ro u n d
s h a k i n g ,
landslide, lava
flow, liquefaction,
tsunami
COMMENT:

Biological hazard

Examples of biological hazards include outbreaks of epidemic diseases, plant or animal contagion,
insect or other animal plagues and infestations.

Geological hazard

Geological hazards include internal earth processes, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity and
emissions, and related geophysical processes such as mass movements, landslides, rockslides,
surface collapses, and debris or mudflows.

Hydrometeorological factors are important contributors to some of these processes. Tsunamis

are difficult to categorize; although they are triggered by undersea earthquakes and other
geological events, they are essentially an oceanic process that is manifested as a coastal water-
related hazard.

Hydrometeorological hazard

Comment: Hydrometeorological hazards include tropical cyclones (also known as typhoons and
hurricanes), thunderstorms, hailstorms, tornados, blizzards, heavy snowfall, avalanches, coastal
storm surges, floods including flash floods, drought, heatwaves and cold spells.

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Hydrometeorological conditions also can be a factor in other hazards such as landslides, wildland
fires, locust plagues, epidemics, and in the transport and dispersal of toxic substances and
volcanic eruption material.

Technological hazard

Comment: Examples of technological hazards include industrial pollution, nuclear radiation, toxic
wastes, dam failures, transport accidents, factory explosions, fires, and chemical spills.
Technological hazards also may arise directly as a result of the impacts of a natural hazard event.
(DRR Teaching Guide for SHS,The Commission on Higher Education in collaboration with the
Philippine Normal University , 2016)

PRIORITIZATION OF HAZARDS

• Hazards are identified and prioritised based on the risks they pose, especially during an

emergency SMUG MODEL (Seriousness, Manageability, Urgency, and Growth priority system)

- system used to determine the order of importance of hazards

- a tool and a process used to rank all types of hazards in order to assess the risks they
pose and determine the appropriate measures to use in dealing with them - the criteria

used are:

1. the degree of seriousness of the hazards, referring to their possible consequences

in terms of losses;
2. their level of manageability, which translates to the people’s ability to reduce the
hazards;

3. their urgency, considering how pressing or critical the hazards are so as to be

given extreme attention; and

4. the likelihood of hazard to grow or give rise to another hazard, thus increasing the
risks.

IMPACTS OF HAZARDS

• Several factors influence the manner by which hazard can impact, bu the most important ones
among these are the magnitude or scale of the hazard, the size of human population, and the
level and nature of development of the place affected - thus, densely populated locality with
high development (more physical infrastructures) would probably suffer more when a high
magnitude earthquake strikes compared to a locality with smaller population and lower
development status.

• Hazards largely affect the economy, human assets, health and health care system, emergency
services, building technology and scientific prediction.

a. Poverty

- can be a cause and an effect of hazards

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- the inability of the marginalized group of people to have access to basic resources such
as knowledge and skills, funds, and technology to prepare themselves for any eventuality
leads them to slide down into further poverty

- the rich may be able to have a more advantageous position, but it does not guarantee
them full protection from the effects of hazards. Their exposure to hazards can still rob
them of their prized possessions and pull them down to poverty.

b. Deprivation

- regardless of their type, when hazards hit us, they “steal” priceless possessions humans
can have - life, family members and friends, health, physical and financial resources such
as livelihood and savings, peace of mind, happiness, and time, among others.

c. Health/Health Care - loss of shelter - exposes victims to various elements that can jeopardise

not only their safety and security, but their life and health as well

d. Emergency Services

- are entities that respond to, and deal with emergencies. Ex.: police force, ambulance
service, fire brigade and medical services

- useful in the prevention and mitigation processes of disasters; but like everyone else, they
are not spared from hazards and disaster impacts.

- when hazards bring negative outcomes leading to disasters, emergency services can
spread too thinly, especially when there are many victims involved. Because they can
draw a line between life and death, preservation and damage, disasters are urgent in
nature. This is where emergency petal in their function.

- positive effect of hazards and disasters on emergency services is that these rescue
providers and preventers of disasters gain more expertise with experience, which they
can share with other stakeholders, particularly the public as well as policy and lawmakers.

e. Physical Infrastructure (Building) Technology - while proper technology may help minimise
disaster impacts, hazards and disasters may also serve as tests or confirmation of the
technological soundness of physical infrastructures and the proper implementation of
building policies. Hazards and disasters serve as “teachers” in a way because they give us

lessons although it is through the hard way. - poorly designed buildings are among the
major cause of destruction or damage that results from the wrath of natural hazards - they
oftentimes collapse

f. Scientific Prediction - the impacts of natural hazards and the disasters that they create
contribute a wealth of knowledge not only to understanding the behaviour of natural
physical phenomena but also to realizing their effects on humans, their property and
environment. Indeed, no one can exactly predict their occurrences, but knowing their
nature and behavioural pattern can help us predict their inevitable coming. - like

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technology, science provides the means through which humans can predict disasters in
order to plan properly, come up with sound policies, create laws and implement them
accordingly.

RISK
DEFINITION:

• the likelihood of a hazard becoming a disaster that may result in the loss of life, assets and
sources of economy (UNISDR, 2004)

• interaction between exposure to natural hazards including the adverse effects of climate
changes and the vulnerability of societies. (World Risk Report)

ELEMENTS OF DISASTER RISK:

• RISK = HAZARD x VULNERABILITY x E XPOSURE

• RISK = The likelihood of the storm causing harm or leading into a disaster if no precautionary
measures are taken

• HAZARD = Storm

• VULNERABILITY = people’s existing condition (e.g., unpreparedness or preparedness) at the

time of the storm

• EXPOSURE = the people and and exposure of their possessions to destruction make them
possible victims of disasters
• If hazard occurs in an area where there are no people or properties that can be affected then
there is no risk to talk about and no possibility of a disaster

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DISASTER
RISK

The figure indicates that the degree of risk is not fixed. Rather, it depends largely on the type
and extent of exposure and the level of vulnerability. Thus, to reduce disaster risk, minimize
exposure and the level of vulnerability.

How can vulnerability be reduced? By increasing the level of preparation and aiming to lower the
impacts.

IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF RISKS

- identifying risks of disasters is one of the most important components of disaster

reduction (Stages of Disaster, 2015) - Steps:

1. Determine the different hazards present in terms of their nature or type, their locality,
strength and the potential to harm (i.e., how soon, how often)

2. Check vulnerability, which includes recognition of the various factors that put a person or a
locality in peril. These include, but are not limited to, conditions of locality, poverty, level of
awareness and governance among others.

3. Determine the risk of disaster by the capabilities of those exposed to hazards and resources
available to decrease risk level and lower any form of impacts.

4. Analyze the risk to determine the risk level

Note: Risk level is not permanent; it varies with time. The risk of today may not be what it
is tomorrow. But if not addressed and monitored, a risk can recur.

5. Evaluate the risks according to severity and the measures that can be employed to counteract
them

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VULNERABILITY
DEFINITION:

- the capacity of of a person, a group of persons or a community to prepare for, deal with,
withstand or recover from the effects of natural hazards

- considering the kind of hazard exposures, vulnerability differs between and among individuals,
groups, or communities.

- it is something that is not permanent because circumstances change (except geographical

location and geologic setting) over time.

- furthermore, due to the factor of differing hazard exposures, some individuals, groups,
communities or countries are more prone to suffering, harm, damages or losses, and so on.

FACTORS OF VULNERABILITY

a. Economic or Financial Status

- if you have the means, you are most likely to be less vulnerable than those who
do not.
- statistical data shows that the poor bear most of the brunt of disasters because

their economic or financial inadequacies significantly reduce their capacity to battle against

the impacts of hazards b. Quality of Governance

c. Socio-cultural Background

d. Political Beliefs

e. Gender Type

f. Disability

g. Age

h. Health Status

i. Educational Level

j. Technology

VULNERABLE GROUPS (SPECIAL POPULATIONS/POPULATIONS AT RISK)

- groups that are at higher level of vulnerability hazards and risk to disasters
- these groups are unable to fend for themselves in times of disasters or emergencies because
of their special conditions
a. PWD’S

b. Persons with special conditions (eg, sick)

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c. Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers

d. The Young (infant and children)

e. The frail elderly

f. Prisoners

g. People who are economically disadvantaged

h. those who have language barriers

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