MODULE 1

Lesson 1: Concept of Disaster

WHAT IS A DISASTER?

A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts a community or society's

functioning and causes human, material, and economic or environmental losses.

OCCURRENCE OF A DISASTER

A disaster's occurrence depends on the interplay between a natural phenomenon or event

(that can turn into a hazard) and the vulnerability of populations exposed (exposure and
vulnerability).

WHEN DOES A NATURAL EVENT BECOME A HAZARD?

Natural events do not automatically become hazards, much fewer cause disasters. It can be
considered hazards when the threat of damage, injury, and death exists.

It also can be likened to a weak concrete fence that could collapse even with just a slight push.
It does not pose a threat to anything or anybody if there is nothing or no one nearby. Once you
park a car or stand right beside it, it becomes a hazard.

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 only becomes a disaster if it hits
vulnerable populations and properties. Moreover, if a natural event hits an uninhabited area, it
does not qualify as a disaster.
Lesson 2: Disaster Risk

RECOGNIZING THE DIFFERENCES OF DISASTERS

No two disasters are alike. Moreover, although some are similar, appreciating their differences
in terms of their nature and magnitude of triggering hazards, exposed elements at risk, and
vulnerabilities will help us deal with potential disasters.

FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE MAGNITUDE OF DISASTER

1. The severity of the natural event

2. The quantity of exposure of the elements at risk which includes lives and properties
3. Vulnerability level or quality of exposure

THE ELEMENTS OF RISK

Disaster Risk can be expressed as a function of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability

or

Disaster Risk = Hazard x Exposure x Vulnerability

According to this formula, if there is no hazard, then the risk is null (the same if population or
vulnerability is null). Hazard, vulnerability and exposure are influenced by a number of risk
drivers, including poverty and inequality, badly planned and managed urban and regional
development, climate change and environmental degradation.
Lesson 3: Nature and Impacts of Disaster

CHARACTERISTICS OF DISASTER

Disasters are inherently unexpected or come quickly with little or no warning, resulting in
widespread death, injury, and property damage. It cannot be managed through normal means.
Thus, they often require the immediate and effective intervention of both national government
agencies (NGAs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) to help meet the needs of the
victims.

Disasters create demands beyond the capacity of a government. During a disaster, the situation
is usually beyond the capabilities of LGUs or national governments to respond and handle, thus
the need for the help of NGOs. 
The following are the characteristics of a disaster:

 They know no political boundary.

 They require restructured and new responding organizations.
 They create new tasks and require more people as disaster responders.
 They render inutile routine emergency response equipment and facilities.
 They worsen confusion in understanding the roles of peoples and
organizations
 They expose a lack of disaster planning, response, and coordination.
Inexperienced disaster organizations often fail to see what their proper
roles are.

IMPACTS OF DISASTER

1. Medical effects: traumatic injuries, emotional stress, epidemic diseases, and indigenous

diseases affected by the disaster.
2. Damage to critical facilities: Widespread disasters can destroy or damage facilities that
may be critical in maintaining a safe environment and public order and responding to
the disaster. Among these are communication installations, electrical generating and
transmission facilities, hospitals, water facilities (storage, purifications, and pumping),
and other public and private buildings.
3. Disruption to transportation: During the initial stages of a disaster, almost all surface
means of transportation within a community are disrupted by broken bridges and roads
and streets that are rendered impassable by landslides or floods.
4. Wider economic impact: As a result of the destruction and damage to critical facilities,
especially to transportation and communication facilities, disasters disrupt economies as
normal business operations and other economic activities are curtailed.
5. Global environmental change: There is an increasing evidence of global climate change
brought about by human activity and disasters. Although the long-range consequences
are hard to predict, more severe cyclonic storms, an increase in both flooding and
drought, and a trend towards desertification cannot be ruled out. The changes could
result in a wide range of more hazards, such as wildfires and mudslides, reduced
productivity in the oceans, and weakened immune systems of people and animals.
6. Social and Political impact: As a large segment of the population in developing countries
consists of the poor, who are the most vulnerable whenever a disaster strikes, these
countries are the most affected. The poor are mostly prone to disasters, like
earthquakes and typhoons, because of their structures, which are unreinforced and
poorly built.
MODULE 2

Lesson 1: Exposure and Vulnerability

ELEMENTS AT RISK AND EXPOSURE

Elements at risk are the people, properties, economic activities, and private and public services
potentially threatened by a harmful event.

Risk assessment involves the identification and mapping of the elements at risk and the
assessment of vulnerability.

As the risk model (Risk = Hazard x Exposure x Vulnerability) shows, the risk is also a function of
hazard.

 Hazard refers to the probability of occurrence at a given magnitude.

 The exposed element can refer to the number of people or structures
within the exposed area.

The combination of both hazard and exposed population provides physical exposure:

PhExp = Hazard x Exposure 

where:

            PhExp = physical exposure for the affected area

            Hazard = probability of occurrence of an event at a given magnitude

            Exposure = total population living in the affected area for each event
EXAMPLE OF PHYSICAL EXPOSURE MAP

Lesson 2: Dimensions of Exposure and Vulnerability

Social

The social dimension of exposure and vulnerability covers a wide range of concerns, including
migration, social groups, health and well-being, education, culture, institutions, and governance
aspects. Demography is the most important aspect. Population density maps are excellent
indicators of exposure and vulnerability

Physical and Environmental

The physical aspects of exposure and vulnerability refer to location and built structures.  It
makes the area more vulnerable to disasters as compared to an area that is far away from the
origin of the disaster. Physical vulnerability includes the difficulty in access to water resources,
means of communications, hospitals, police stations, fire brigades, roads, bridges and exits of a
building or/an area, in case of disasters.

Economic

Among the economic effects of a hazard event include business interruptions due to
accessibility problems, loss of jobs and access to work, and loss of government income due to
the inability of businesses and people to pay taxes at a time when more funds are needed for
relief and rehabilitation. Disasters may also significantly affect the gross domestic product
(GDP).

ADDRESSING VULNERABILITY OF EXPOSURE

Recent earthquake, volcanic, and hydrometeorological hazard events highlight the need to
assess the vulnerability levels of areas in the Philippines that are exposed to these hazards.
With this, resources available can be made to work more efficiently to reduce vulnerabilities.
Such measures include mitigation, prediction and warning, preparedness, and building
capacities to withstand and cope with hazards. The root causes of vulnerability, such as poverty
and poor governance, must also be addressed to sustain efforts to reduce vulnerability.

FACTORS OF VULNERABILITY

A.   Social

The most vulnerable populations are:

 people with disabilities

 children
 seniors
 medication-dependent individuals
 ethnic minorities, aboriginal or indigenous people
 homeless or “street people”
 incarcerated individuals
 marginalized groups (i.e., by society or the community)

B.   Physical and Environmental

      The factors that determine the magnitude of physical vulnerabilities are the following:

 geographic pattern of the severity of hazards

 exposure of the elements to hazards
 geological and environmental characteristics of the community
 effects of local conditions

C. Economic

       The factors affecting economic vulnerabilities are the following:

 sources of livelihood
 community resources
 household income and savings
 markets and access to goods and services
MODULE 3
Lesson 1: Concepts and Types of Hazards

WHAT IS A HAZARD?

Hazards are the potentials for damage to man and his environment that may result from
natural events, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, and storm surges. An event per
se does not constitute a hazard. It is only when a man and his environment are threatened that
these events can be considered hazards. The probabilities of occurrence of hazard events may
be estimated.

IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF HAZARDS

Magnitude and Intensity

 The magnitude of the event is a measure of its strength and indicates how
destructive it can be.
 Intensity is a measure of the impacts on the ground, on people, and on structures.

Speed of onset

 Among the most important aspects of hazards

 How predictable a hazard is and how much lead time is allowed is critical in
determining how damaging it will be.
 The more predictable an event is, the lesser the chance of incurring casualties and
damages.

 Duration

 Duration becomes a concern as the chance of experiencing severe damage will

depend on how long the hazard affects an area.
 Similarly, the larger the aerial extent or scope of an event is, the greater the
potential for damage will be.

THE OCCURRENCE OF AN EVENT

 Frequency refers to how often an event occurs.

 Sometimes frequency is expressed in terms of the return period.
 Another way of describing the timing of a hazard is by estimating its probability of
occurrence.
Example: If a flood has a return period of 1 year, the probability of the flood occurring within a
year is 100% (or 1 in terms of ratios).
Lesson 2: Hazard Analysis

HAZARD ASSESSMENT VS. RISK ASSESSMENT

Hazard Assessment is the process of estimating, for defined areas, the probabilities of the
occurrence of a potentially damaging phenomenon of a given magnitude within a specified
period of time. In comparison, a risk assessment involves assessing hazards from a scientific
point of view and the socioeconomic impacts of a hazardous event. Hence, without hazard
assessment, no risk assessment can be complete.

METHODS TO ASSESS NATURAL HAZARDS

A.   Quantitative Approach

Mathematical functions or equations relating to the hazard variables used are formulated or
adopted to quantify the hazard. Data from past historical records and those derived from basic
scientific principles are used to develop the relationship between the variables considered.

B.   Qualitative Approach

Instead of representing with numbers, this method uses experts' opinion in ranking relative
terms the intensity or probability of occurrence of a hazard event. This method is preferred,
especially when data is not enough to come up with a quantitative evaluation or when it is not
possible to express numerically one or more variables.

C.   Probabilistic Approach

It provides an objective estimate of each hazard's probability affecting an area or region by

considering the record of events. The probability of occurrence of rainfall of a given intensity
can be estimated, for example, by ranking past rainfalls and applying the appropriate statistical
method of analysis. For earthquakes, probabilistic ground motion maps combine the likely
ground shaking caused by earthquakes from all nearby earthquake generators over a specified
time.

D.   Deterministic Approach
This is a more subjective approach of estimating probability. A past event of a given intensity or
magnitude is selected, and the consequences at certain intensities are described. The use of
deterministic hazard assessment avoids the under-estimation of hazard at a site.

HAZARD MAPPING

Hazard mapping is the process of identifying the spatial variation of hazard events or physical
conditions (e.g., potential ground shaking, steep slopes, flood plains, and hazardous materials
sites). Through this process, one side of the hazard-exposure-vulnerability risk triangle may be
displayed in hazard maps. Hazard maps are indispensable for information and education
campaigns to hazards scientists and land-use planners. Hazard maps are quite useful in
communicating vital information about the spatial variation of size and potential intensity of a
particular hazard.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM

          

GIS displays maps and assigns attributes to map units (points, lines, and areas). It analyzes data
associated with the map units. It is a powerful tool for integrating individual map layers through
its overlay.
MULTIPLE HAZARD MAPS

The image shows an MHM of Tacloban, Leyte. MHMs provide comprehensive information on
the magnitude, frequency, and area of effect of all the hazards combined.
MODULE 4
Lesson 1: Understanding Earthquakes

Lesson 1: Understanding Earthquakes

According to one of the theories regarding the formation of the Philippines, our islands and
mountains were the results of the collision of the Pacific Plate in the east and the Eurasian Plate
in the west. As the Pacific Plate was forced against the Eurasian Plate, the crust crumbled and
the archipelago was formed. Within the Philippines, there are also smaller plates that slowly
drift against each other along the fault lines. Fault lines are cracks on the Earth’s surface along
which smaller plates move or slip against each other. Sometimes, the slow and smooth
movement stops abruptly, possibly because of a natural obstacle. These plates will then have to
accumulate enough strength before they can crush this obstacle and continue their movement.
When sufficient energy has been built up in the rocks, the obstacle suddenly breaks, and the
two plates slip or leap forward to make up for all the movement they have “lost.” This shock is
called an earthquake, the weak or violent shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by the sudden
movement of rock materials beneath it. The place where the energy is released like an
explosion is called the focus, while the epicenter is the point that is immediately above the
focus.

EPICENTER AND FOCUS OF AN EARTHQUAKE

Lesson 2: Various Earthquake - Related Hazards and their Effects

Lesson 2: Various Earthquake - Related Hazards and their Effects

Earthquake Hazards

Earthquakes, widely-recognized as a threat to humanity, undoubtedly pose numerous hazards.

Earthquake hazards create other hazards in the built environment. People can be injured or
killed as buildings fall or flooding occurs in communities near rivers or dams. Overall,
earthquakes can lead to loss of human lives, injury, destruction of property, and economic
losses.

The type of hazard depends on the strength of seismic activity, along with such factors as local
topographic and built features, subsurface geology and groundwater. A sequence of
aftershocks will always follow a massive earthquake.

A. Ground Rupture

Deformation on the ground marks the intersection of the fault with the Earth’s
surface.  Vertical displacement occurs when one side of the ground goes up or down, or both
sides move with one side going up and the other going down. Horizontal
displacement happens when there is a lateral movement from side to side, one side goes to the
left or right, or both move sideways in different directions. 

A. Ground Shaking

Disruptive up, down and sideways vibration of the ground during an earthquake. It is affected
by how huge the earthquake is, what type of ground the earthquake waves travel through, and
how far it is from the earthquake source. Simply, the shaking of the ground is more intense
when the site is near the epicenter, and the earthquake is strong.

A. Liquefaction

Phenomenon wherein sediments, especially near bodies of water, behave like liquid similar to
quicksand. It is a direct effect of ground shaking, which makes particles of soil less compact and
makes it flow. Liquefied soil will then open ground cracks in order to escape to the surface. The
ejected material leads to flooding and may leave cavities in soil, leaving large areas covered
with deep layers of mud.

A. Tsunami
Series of waves caused commonly by an earthquake under the sea. The height of the waves
could reach five meters or higher. The force of some tsunamis can be enormous as large rocks,
boats, and other debris can be moved inland and hurt or kill people. Depending on the
topography, tsunamis can move from tens to hundreds of meters to a few kilometers inland. It
can also travel up rivers and streams from oceans.

A tsunami can be near-field or far-field. Near-field or local tsunamis can reach the shoreline

within minutes. On the other hand, it can take several hours for far-field or distant tsunamis to
do the same as they may be generated from other countries.

Signs of an approaching local tsunami include a felt earthquake, extreme lowering of sea level,
noticeable rise and fall of coastal water, and the rumbling sound of approaching waves.

A. Ground Subsidence or the lowering of the land surface

It occurs for many reasons, such as the extraction of groundwater and natural gas, mining, and
earthquakes.

For additional information, please read: Click on this 

 link.  Earthquake Hazards. (2011).

Lesson 3: Signs of an Impending Earthquake

Lesson 3: Signs of an Impending Earthquake

Although scientists know that earthquakes will occur in the future, predicting exactly when the
next earthquake will occur seems to be impossible. Some signs are said to foreshadow an
impending earthquake. Most of the signs are based on experiences and observations of local
communities. Here are some of the factors that can be considered:

 Animal behavior. Animals often exhibit abnormal behavior before an earthquake. They
become disturbed and very sensitive before an earthquake hits. However, the
connection between animal behavior and earthquakes have not been fully explored and
not yet definitely proven.
 Change in atmospheric conditions.
  Electromagnetic disturbance. There are speculations that there is a relationship
between magnetic and electrical charges in rock material and earthquakes. Some
scientists have hypothesized that these electromagnetic fields change in a certain way
just before an earthquake.
 Boom sound. There are instances that a trembling sound occurs before and during
earthquakes. It could be the cause of minor earthquakes but are too shallow to be
detected by a seismograph.

For additional information, please read: Click the links below.

How to Know when an Earthquake Will Strike. (2020).

Tsunami – Five Signs Approaching Tsunami.

Watch the video below.

Lesson 4: Disaster Prevention and Hazard Mitigation

Lesson 4: Disaster Prevention and Hazard Mitigation

Although preparedness can help save us from injuries and reduce damages to properties during
an earthquake, mitigation of hazards can save more lives. An example is by strengthening
buildings and making them earthquake-proof. Undoubtedly, one of the most effective ways to
mitigate the damage of earthquakes is to design and to build structures capable of withstanding
earthquakes.

Hazard maps are being used to plan accordingly. The intensity of ground shaking is anticipated
based on these maps. Creating earthquake hazard maps consider the size and frequency of
earthquakes, the history of seismicity, and previous records of intensity.
Geophysical Risk Maps

Geophysical factors also transcend or go beyond administrative boundaries, yet vulnerability to

these types of disasters may be estimated according to seismic zones and/or at the provincial
level.

Since 1968, PHIVOLCS has recorded twelve destructive earthquakes in the Philippines. This
record includes the infamous July 16, 1990, Luzon earthquake, which caused numerous injuries
and at least 1,100 deaths. Seismicity (geographic and historical distribution of earthquakes
events) is all over the country, except in the Palawan region.
              

Philippines: Natural Hazard Profile (2010).

Risks to Earthquakes

The top ten provinces that are at risk to earthquakes are:

1. Surigao Del Sur

2. La Union
3. Benguet
4. Pangasinan
5. Pampanga
6. Tarlac
 7. Ifugao
8. Davao Oriental
9. Nueva Vizcaya
10. Nueva Ecija

La Union and Pangasinan are prone to earthquakes, especially the deep-focused ones, due to
the Manila Trench; while, Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental have earthquake hazards due to
Philippine Trench and nearby active faults. Frequency of shallow and left-lateral strike-slip
earthquakes in Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Eastern Pangasinan, Benguet and La Union can be
attributed to its location along the Philippine Fault Zone. However, Ifugao, despite having fewer
earthquake occurrences, is at risk because of its very high vulnerability to disasters.

On November 14, 1994, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Mindoro triggered a tsunami that left at
least 41 persons dead, mostly children and older people.

Risk to Tsunamis

Most of the coastal areas have experienced a tsunami or have a tsunami hazard potential.

The top ten provinces that are at risk to tsunamis are:

1. Sulu
2. Tawi-tawi
3. Basilan
4. Batanes
5. Guimaras
6. Romblon
7. Siquijor
8. Surigao del Norte
9. Camiguin
10. Masbate

Sulu and Tawi-Tawi took the top two seats because of their high potential for tsunami owing to
their location between two nearby trenches, namely Sulu Trench and Cotabato Trench.
Moreover, both provinces are also densely populated and have a very high vulnerability.
Similarly, most areas in Basilan and Romblon are at high risk especially because they have been
previously affected by a tsunami (PHIVOLCS).
   Prepare for the tsunami - PHIVOLCS Usec. Solidum (2018).

For additional information, read the following materials

Mapping Philippine Vulnerability to Environmental Disasters. (2005).

Mitigation of Hazards. (2010). 

Philippines: Natural Hazard Risks - National Hazard Map. (2011). 

Philippines: Natural Hazard Profile (2010). 

Prepare for tsunami -PhiVolcs Usec. Solidum (2018).  

Lesson 5: Earthquake Readiness

Lesson 5: Earthquake Readiness

Authorities are ready to help if the “big one” happens, so why do you need to be prepared?
There are many factors that play a role in being rescued, ncluding the physical location of the
disaster and how widespread the devastation.  Mobilizing search and rescue efforts and
adequately preparing shelters with supplies of food, water, and hygiene products takes time
and personnel.  Both of which might be short during a major disaster.  Until help can arrive,
self-sufficiency is key to your comfort and survival in the days immediately following the event
and self-sufficiency will only result from advanced preparation.

Preparing for a major earthquake begins by building or purchasing Earthquake Emergency Kits.
Your earthquake survival supplies should be stored in locations you stay most frequent, such as
your home, vehicle, and office. Keep your earthquake preparedness kits in an easily accessible
location.  

WHAT TO DO BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

In this section you will learn essential steps you should take before an earthquake strikes.

PURCHASE EARTHQUAKE KITS AND SUPPLIES

You can either assemble your own kit or buy an earthquake kit designed by emergency
preparedness experts.  Regardless, your kit should contain the essential supplies needed to
shelter-in-place or evacuate after an earthquake.  Reference our Earthquake Kit and Supply
Checklists for the home, car, school, and office to ensure your kits are properly outfitted.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR EARTHQUAKE KIT

Your survival kit should include custom items, such as prescriptions and other daily necessities
that you may need.  

REPLACE EXPIRED ITEMS

Periodically, you may have to replace perishable earthquake supplies, such as food, water and
medical items.  

MAKE AN EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS PLAN

Your earthquake preparedness plan should outline evacuation routes and reunion locations.  It
should also include an out-of-state contact person's name and number, the location of your
emergency supplies.

SECURE HAZARDS

Risk-reduction experts can help eliminate hazards throughout your home, workplace, and
school. This service has proven to greatly reduce your risk of injury or death following the next
earthquake or other disasters.  

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

When the earth starts to shake, your actions could directly result in survival or serious injury.  It
is imperative you learn what to do during an earthquake if you are at home, work, school, or on
the road. There are specific actions that earthquake preparedness experts suggest, such as to
"Drop, Cover, and Hold On". These simple steps have been known to save lives and reduce your
risk of death or injury. During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or
table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops Continue
Reading...

Click on this link for additional information - Earthquake Survival Guides Before, During and
After. (2020).

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE

The days following a catastrophic earthquake can be just as dangerous as the seismic event
itself. Learn what you can do to survive after an earthquake:

CHECK FOR INJURIES AND DAMAGE

One of the first things you should do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and
damages that need immediate attention. Make sure you are trained in first aid and in
preliminary damage assessment techniques.  You should be able to administer basic first aid
and to identify and avoid hazards, such as damaged gas, water, sewage, and electrical lines. Use
an emergency gas wrench to turn off the gas in your home if you smell a gas leak.

COMMUNICATE AND START THE RECOVERY PROCESS

Following a major disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts.
The addition of a solar/hand-crank-powered radio can provide you with important information,
safety advisories, and evacuation notices. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance
agent right away to begin your claims process.
MODULE 5
Lesson 1: Various Volcano-related Hazards

Lesson 1: Various Volcano-related Hazards

 Lava Flow is a mass of magma that flows down the slope of the volcano at a rate of 3
kilometers per day (slightly high viscosity) or 45 kilometers per hour (low viscosity). It
can cause injuries and burn structures and vegetation.
 Pyroclastic Flow refers to hot, dry masses of fragmented volcanic materials that move
along the slope and in contact with the ground surface at speed greater than 60
kilometers per hour.
 Tephra Falls are showers of fine to coarse-grained volcanic materials and other airborne
products of a volcanic eruption. The ash can reach distant places since the wind carries
it. It can cause pollution, health problems, low visibility, and disruption of electricity and
communication lines.
 Ballistic Projectiles are rocks that are released into the air by an erupting volcano. These
land within 2 kilometers of the vent but can travel as far as 5 kilometers or further if the
eruption is very explosive.
 Volcanic Gas is one of the basic components of magma or lava. When associated with
the atmosphere can result in volcanic fog or acid rain that can contaminate water and
damage vegetation. Even in a relatively small amount, it can also affect the respiratory
system of animals.

For additional information, click on this link. What kinds of hazards are associated with
volcanic eruptions? (2020).
Lesson 2: Signs of Impending Volcanic Eruptions

Lesson 2: Signs of Impending Volcanic Eruptions

There are many signs to know of an Impending Volcanic Eruption.

Can you predict a volcanic eruption?

Volcanologists can predict eruptions – if they have a thorough understanding of a

volcano's eruptive history, if they can install the proper instrumentation on a volcano well in
advance of an eruption, and if they can continuously monitor and adequately interpret data
coming from that equipment.

Here are the 10 Signs of Impending Volcanic Eruption:

1. Increase in the frequency of volcanic quakes with rumbling sounds; the occurrence of

volcanic tremors.
2. Increased steaming activity; change in color of steam emission from white to gray due to
entrained ash.
3. Crater glows due to the presence of magma at or near the crater.
4. Ground swells (or inflate), ground tilt and ground fissures due to magma intrusion.
5. Localized landslides, rockfalls and landslides from the summit area are not attributable
to heavy rains.
6. Noticeable increase in the extent of drying up of vegetation around the volcano's upper
slopes.
7. Increase in the temperature of hot springs, wells, and crater lake near the volcano.
8. Noticeable variation in the chemical content of springs, crater lakes within the vicinity of
the volcano.
9. Drying up of springs/wells around the volcano.
10. Development of new thermal areas and/or reactivation of old ones; the appearance
of solfatara.

For additional information, please read the following.

Ramirez, Urbano, Paras, et.al. (2015). Signs of an Impending Volcanic Eruption.

Tyson, Peter. (2000). Can We Predict Eruptions?

Signs of Impending Volcanic Eruption. (2017).

Lesson 3: Assessment and Mapping of Risks and Hazards

Lesson 3 Assessment and Mapping of Risks and Hazards

Hazard maps

Typically, several types of hazards will result from a volcanic eruption. Each hazard poses
different risks affecting different areas. This is the key difference between eruptions and the
other principal natural hazards like floods and earthquakes. Depending on where you are, some
of the most threatening hazards include pyroclastic falls, pyroclastic flows and surges, lava
extrusions (flows and domes), lahars, debris avalanches, and volcanic gases.

To help you understand the areas that may be affected, hazard maps are used. These show
areas that can be impacted and where it is safe.

To be effective, the risk from volcanic hazards must first be identified. Volcanic hazard analysis
is based primarily on assessments of past eruptions. By studying the geological record,
observing eruptions, and monitoring background levels of activity, an understanding of the
likely future hazards can be gained. These are then shown in the hazard maps.

The Philippines lies within the Ring of Fire, a region of subduction zone volcanism surrounding
the Pacific Ocean. This explains the distribution of most volcanoes in the Philippines. In 1991,
Mt. Pinatubo eruption was well-known to be the most violent eruption in the 20th century.
Philippine Volcanoes are classified as Active, Inactive, and Potentially active. Twenty-two (22)
historically active volcanoes are distributed all over the archipelago.

Risk to Volcanic Eruptions

    

Since volcanoes are not present in some provinces, these particular areas have no risk to
volcanic eruptions. The top ten provinces at risk are:

1. Camiguin
2. Sulu
3. Biliran
4. Albay
5. Bataan
6. Sorsogon
7. South Cotabato
8. Laguna
9. Camarines Sur
10. Batanes

Camiguin has the highest risk because the land area is so small such that a volcanic eruption can
affect the whole province. Sulu ranks second because it has the most number of active and
potentially active volcanoes.
For additional information, please read Hazard Maps. (2009).

Lesson 4: Reducing the Impact of Eruption

Lesson 4: Reducing the Impact of Eruption

You can do many things to protect yourself and your family from the dangers a volcanic
eruption can cause. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to follow the advice of
local officials. Local authorities will give you information on how to prepare for a volcanic
eruption, and if necessary, on how to evacuate (leave the area) or to take shelter where you
are.

How to prepare?

Be prepared either to shelter or to evacuate. Develop an evacuation plan and a sheltering plan
for yourself, your family, and others in your household. Review the plans and make sure that
everyone understands them. If you haven’t already done so, put together an emergency supply
kit.

Exposure to ash can harm your health, particularly the respiratory (breathing) tract. To protect
yourself while you are outdoors or while you are cleaning up ash that has gotten indoors, use
an N-95 disposable respirator (also known as an “air purifying respirator”). It is important to
follow directions for proper use of this respirator. If you don’t have an N-95 respirator, you can
protect yourself by using a nuisance dust mask as a last resort, but you should stay outdoors for
only short periods while dust is falling. Nuisance dust masks can provide comfort and relief
from exposure to relatively non-hazardous contaminants, such as pollen, but they do not offer
as much protection as an N-95 respirator.

For additional information, please read the following.

Department of Homeland Security. (2020).

Volcanic Eruption. (2020).

MODULE 1
Pre-Task 1

Before we discuss the hazards, let us check your prior knowledge of natural disasters. Go to 

 https://kahoot.it/challenge/01872766?challenge-id=6e5089a0-57d2-436f-88c1-
1940ea734374_1627954519703 and play the short quiz game about the natural disaster.
Please indicate your names in the game. Thank you and enjoy! 
LESSON 1

Check-in Activity 1.1

    

1. Name three natural phenomena that your community considers as hazards. Explain
why they are considered hazards. 
2. Explain what is meant by “buildings kill people, not earthquakes”. 
3. Is the large magnitude of a natural hazard a guarantee for a disaster? Why or Why
not? 
4. Explain how a seemingly harmless typical river situated in the middle of a rapidly
developing city may cause a disaster. 

Your output will be graded based on this rubric. Use this rubric as a guide when
answering the questions.

The score for each

Criteria
question 
1- Answered the question incompletely and without reasoning.
The response includes an answer, but does not include any or includes only very
minimal reasoning.
3- Repeating what others have said

The response includes an answer and reasoning.

5- Originality, Insight, and Creativity are shown. Goes beyond repeating what
others have said and contributes something new in understanding the topic
LESSON 2
Check-in Activity 1.2

1. What are the elements of disaster risk? Explain the significance of each disaster
risk element in determining the odds of a disaster happening and its impacts. 
2. What advantages do qualitative determination disaster risk and its elements have
over quantitative estimates of these? 
3. How would people, the business sector, and government institutions benefit from
measuring the relative level of disaster risk? 
4. Given that the occurrence of potentially hazardous natural phenomena cannot be
prevented, discuss in terms of the elements of disaster risk ways by which
disasters and disaster risk can be minimized. 

Your output will be graded based on this rubric. Use this rubric as a guide when
answering the questions.

The score for

Criteria
each question 
1- Response reflects inadequate understanding of the text and/or the task.
Marginal response reflects minimal understanding of the text, but lacks
2-
support.
3- Adequate response with limited elaboration and support from the text.
 4-  Thorough response with strong support/evidence from the text.
 5-  An insightful and well-crafted response  that extends beyond the obvious
 The score for
Criteria
each question 
interpretation of the text and offers strong support/evidence from the text. 

LESSON 3
Check-in Activity 1.3

1. Do more unpredictable natural hazards cause more damage and casualties? Why or
why not? 
2. What would you consider as the worst impact of disasters? Why? 
3. Can you consider spending to make a school or an office building earthquake-proof
as a good investment? Why? 
4. Assuming that a country like the Philippines can afford it, what portion of its annual
budget should it spend on disaster-related programs? How justified is this figure? 
5. What would you consider a better policy, focusing on preparedness and other pre-
disaster programs or post-disaster-related concerns (relief, rescue, and
rehabilitation)? Explain your answer. 

Your output will be graded based on this rubric. Use this rubric as a guide when
answering the questions.

The score for

Criteria
each question 
1- Response reflects an inadequate understanding of the text and/or the task.
2- Marginal response reflects a minimal understanding of the text but lacks support.
3- Adequate response with limited elaboration and support from the text.
 4-  Thorough response with strong support/evidence from the text.
 An insightful and well-crafted response that extends beyond the obvious
 5-
interpretation of the text and offers strong support/evidence from the text. 
Post Task 1

How would you know one when you see one?

Identify each picture whether it is a natural hazard or a man-made disaster.  For 2pts give
a brief explanation of your answer.(provide enough information to back up the
answer)

                                                    

1. __________________________________

Explanation:________________________

2. __________________________________

Explanation:________________________
3. ___________________________________

Explanation:________________________

4. ___________________________________

Explanation:________________________

5. ______________________________

Explanation: ____________________________
6. ____________________________

Explanation:__________________________

7. _______________________________

Explanation:__________________________

8. __________________________

Explanation:___________________________
9. _________________________

Explanation: _____________________________

10. _______________________

Explanation: _________________________