Reflection Paper for

Disaster Readiness and Risk

Reduction

Submitted by: Cris Tyron H. Palmiery

Submitted to: Mr. Darwin Almonte

Disaster and Disaster Risk
 Disaster and Disaster Risk
On this topic Disasters and risks are events that can cause harm, like
accidents or natural disasters such as storms and earthquakes. There are two types
of Disaster which is Natural disasters that includes storm surge, earthquake,
landslide, thunder storm, tornado, and tsunamis, the second types of disaster is the
human made or manmade disaster which includes hazardous materials, power
resources or blackout, cyber attacks, and terrorism. We also learned that we need
to be ready or getting prepared beforehand so that when these bad things happen,
we are better able to handle them. This includes making plans, having emergency
supplies, and knowing what to do if something goes wrong. Being ready helps us
stay safe and reduces the damage that disasters can cause.

There are factors that affect the individuals due to disaster

such as risk factor underlying disaster it includes the severity of
exposure, gender and family, and lastly the age. So when
disasters happen, people come together to help each other. This
shows how strong communities can be when they work together.
Disasters also make us think about what's really important in life,
like spending time with family and friends. They remind us to
appreciate what we have and to take care of each other.
Additionally, disasters make us think about the environment and
how we can protect it. By being more careful with the planet, we
can reduce the chances of disasters happening in the future.
Exposure and
Vulnerability
 Exposure and Vulnerability
Exposure and vulnerability are significant factors influencing the impact of
disasters on communities. Exposure refers to the degree to which people and assets
are at risk of being affected by a disaster. This includes physical exposure, such as
being in an area prone to flooding or earthquakes, as well as social and economic
exposure, such as living in poverty or lacking access to essential services.
Vulnerability contains physical vulnerability, social vulnerability, economic
vulnerability, environmental vulnerability, on the other hand, encompasses the
susceptibility of individuals and communities to the adverse effects of disasters.
This can be influenced by factors such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, lack of
access to healthcare, and social inequality. Together, exposure and vulnerability
shape the level of risk faced by communities, highlighting the importance of
addressing underlying vulnerabilities and improving resilience to minimize the
impact of disasters.
Understanding and addressing exposure and vulnerability are essential for
effective disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts. By identifying
areas and populations at greater risk of harm, interventions can be targeted towards
reducing vulnerability and increasing preparedness. This includes measures such as
improving infrastructure, providing access to basic services, strengthening social
safety nets, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes. Additionally,
addressing underlying social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute
to vulnerability can help build more resilient communities capable of withstanding
and recovering from disasters. By prioritizing equity and inclusivity in disaster risk
management strategies, we can work towards creating safer and more resilient
societies for all.
Basic Concept of Hazard
 Basic Concept of Hazard
Hazard refers to a potential source of harm or danger that can cause damage
to people, property, or the environment. There general classification of hazard
which is Natural hazard, Quasi natural hazard, and technological or manmade
hazards. It is an important concept in understanding and managing risks in various
aspects of our lives. Hazards can come in different forms, such as natural disasters
like earthquakes, floods, or wildfires, or human-made hazards like chemical spills
or accidents.
The basic concept of hazard involves identifying and assessing potential
risks and taking appropriate measures to prevent or minimize their impact. It is
crucial to understand that hazards themselves are not inherently bad or dangerous,
but it is the interaction between the hazard and vulnerable elements that can result
in harm. For example, an earthquake is a hazard, but if there are no buildings or
people in the affected area, the impact would be minimal. However, if there are
poorly constructed buildings or a dense population, the hazard can turn into a
disaster.
To effectively manage hazards, it is essential to have proper risk assessment,
planning, and preparedness measures in place. This includes understanding the
characteristics of the hazard, evaluating its potential consequences, and
implementing strategies to reduce its impact. By being aware of hazards and taking
proactive steps to mitigate risks, we can create safer and more resilient
communities.
Earthquake Hazards
 Earthquake Hazards
Earthquakes are natural disasters that can cause significant damage and loss
of life. They occur when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust,
resulting in shaking and trembling of the ground. Earthquakes can happen
anywhere in the world, but some regions are more prone to seismic activity than
others.
One of the main hazards associated with earthquakes is the destruction of
buildings and infrastructure. When the ground shakes violently, buildings can
collapse, leading to injuries and fatalities. In areas with poor construction practices,
the impact of an earthquake can be even more devastating. Additionally,
earthquakes can trigger landslides and tsunamis, further exacerbating the damage.
It is essential for communities to be prepared for earthquakes by implementing
building codes and emergency response plans to minimize the impact of these
hazards.
Overall, earthquakes pose a significant hazard to human life and
infrastructure. It is crucial for individuals, communities, and governments to
prioritize earthquake preparedness and mitigation measures to reduce the potential
impact of these natural disasters. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate
actions, we can work towards creating safer and more resilient communities in
earthquake-prone areas.
Volcanic Hazards
 Volcanic Hazards
Volcanoes are fascinating natural phenomena, but they also pose significant
hazards to human life and the environment. When a volcano erupts, it releases hot
lava, ash, and gases into the air, which can have devastating effects on nearby
communities.
One of the main hazards associated with volcanic eruptions is the destruction
caused by lava flows. Lava can flow down the sides of a volcano at high
temperatures, destroying everything in its path. This can lead to the displacement
of communities and the loss of homes and infrastructure. Additionally, volcanic ash
can be carried by wind over long distances, affecting air quality and posing health
risks to humans and animals. The release of gases during volcanic eruptions can
also have environmental impacts, such as contributing to air pollution and climate
change.
To mitigate the hazards of volcanic eruptions, it is crucial to know the signs
of impending volcanic eruption such as increase streaming activity of the volcano,
increase the frequency of volcanic quakes, crater glow, ground swelling, noticeable
increase in the extent of drying up of vegetation around the volcano’s upper slopes,
drying up of spring/wells around the volcano . This signs help the community
living near volcanoes to have emergency plans in place. This includes early
warning systems, evacuation routes, and shelters to ensure the safety of residents.
Monitoring volcanic activity and providing timely information to the public is also
essential for preparedness. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate
measures, we can minimize the impact of volcanic hazards and protect lives and
livelihoods.