CHAPTER 1
DISASTER READINESS AND RISK
REDUCTION
CARLO JOSEPH A. CASTRO
Subject description- 80 hours
This course focuses on the
application of scientific knowledge
and the solution of practical problems
in a physical environment. It is
designed to bridge the gap between
theoretical science and daily living.
Content:
Basic concept of
disaster and disaster
risk
Content standard:
The learners demonstrate
understanding of the……..
1. Concept of disaster
2. Concept of disaster risk
3. Nature of disasters
4. Effects of disasters
Performance standard:
The learners relate the concept
of disaster with daily life.
Learning competencies:
Explain the meaning of disaster.
Differentiate the risk factors underlying
disasters.
Describe the effects of disasters on one’s life.
Explainhow and when an event becomes a
disaster.
Identify
areas/locations exposed to hazards that
may lead to disaster.
Analyze disaster from the different perspectives
(physical, psychological,socio-
cultural,economic,political, and biological).
What is disaster????????
A sudden, calamitous event, bringing
great damage , loss, destruction and
devastation to life and property.
A serious disruption of the functioning of
society, causing widespread human,
material or environmental losses, which
exceed the ability of the affected people
to cope, using their human resources.
Nature of disasters:
1. NATURAL DISASTERS- These
originate from the different forces of
nature.
2. HUMAN-MADE DISASTERS- these
disasters occur due to people’s actions
against human, material and
Examples of Natural Disasters
Agricultural diseases and pests
Storm surge
Drought and water shortage – EL NINO
Earthquakes
Hurricanes and tropical storms
Landslides and debris flow
Thunderstorms and lightning
Tornadoes
Tsunamis
Wildfires
Sinkholes
Sinkholes
Emergency diseases (pandemic diseases)
Extreme heat
Floods and flash floods
La Nina
Examples Human-Made and
Technological
Hazardous materials
Power service disruption and blackout
Nuclear power plant and nuclear blast
Radiological emergencies
Chemical threat and biological weapons
Cyber attacks
Explosion
Civil unrest
Terrorism
activity (formative) 100 points
Explain the meaning of Disaster
in 200 words.
Assignment:
What are the risk factors underlying
disasters and differentiate it.
Risk factors underlying
disasters:
Severity of exposure
Gender and Family
Age
Developing countries
Low or negative social support
Effects of natural disasters on human life
The following are the common effects of disaster
identified by some studies:
Displaced populations
Health risks
Food scarcity
Emotional Aftershocks
How and when an event become a
disaster?
Disaster from different
perspectives
Physical Perspectives- defined as a phenomenon
that can cause damage to physical elements.
Assessment of disaster:
How many families are affected?
How many houses are damaged or washed?
How many buildings or are damaged (in case of
earthquake)
How many roads, bridges, dams and other infrastructures are
damaged?
What is the extent of damage in agricultural industry?
Psychological Perspective- according to the research
disasters can cause serious mental health consequences for
victims (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD)
Other Psychological effects:
1. Emotional Effects
2. Cognitive effects
3. Physical effects
4. Interpersonal effects
Socio-cultural Perpectives – what the people
living at risk know and do about natural hazards and
disaster risks is mediated by a range of factors
including social conditions (such as age, gender,
wealth, ethnicity)
Economic Perspective- can defined as a natural
event that causes a perturbation to the functioning
of the economic system, with a significant negative
impact on assets, production factors, output,
employment and consumption.
Political Perspective – are commonly thought to be
less politically contentious than armed conflicts.
Environmental Perspective – Disasters are not
random and do not occur by accident.
Assignment:
Identify areas or locations in Orani
(5) that exposed to hazards that
may lead to disasters.
Bring manila paper and pentel pen
per group.
