DISASTER

READINESS RISK
REDUCTION
JANUARY 10, 2024
WHAT IS A DISASTER?

A disaster is a sudden, catastrophic event that causes

significant damage to life, property, infrastructure, and the
environment. It disrupts the normal functioning of a
community or society and often overwhelms its capacity to
cope, requiring external assistance or coordinated efforts for
recovery. Disasters can be natural or man-made and vary in
scale, impact, and duration.
TYPES OF DISASTERS

1. Natural Disasters: These are events caused by natural forces or processes that result in significant
damage or loss of life and property.

o Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the ground caused by tectonic plate

movements, often resulting in destruction of buildings, roads, and infrastructure.
o Floods: Overflow of water onto normally dry land, often caused by heavy
rainfall, snowmelt, or storms. Floods can lead to widespread damage to homes,
agriculture, and infrastructure.
o Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones: Powerful storms characterized by
strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding. These storms can cause coastal flooding,
property damage, and loss of life.
o Tornadoes: Violently rotating columns of air extending from thunderstorms to
the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings and infrastructure, and cause
injuries or fatalities.
TYPE OF DISASTER - NATURAL

o Wildfires: Uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly across vegetation or

forested areas, often exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds.
o Volcanic Eruptions: Eruptions from volcanoes can release lava, ash,
and gases, causing destruction to surrounding areas, displacement of
people, and loss of life.
o Droughts: Extended periods of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water
shortages, crop failure, and food insecurity.
o Landslides: The downward movement of soil, rocks, and debris on a
slope, often triggered by heavy rainfall or earthquakes.
 TYPE OF DISASTER MAN-MADE
1. Man-Made (Anthropogenic) Disasters: These disasters result from human activities, such as industrial accidents,
technological failures, or conflict.

o Oil Spills: The release of liquid petroleum into the environment, usually in oceans or rivers, which causes
environmental damage and affects marine life.

o Nuclear Accidents: Accidental release of radioactive materials from nuclear power plants or facilities, which can
result in long-term health risks and environmental contamination.

o Chemical Spills: The accidental release of toxic chemicals into the environment, potentially causing immediate
harm to human health, wildlife, and ecosystems.

o Air Pollution: The emission of harmful substances (e.g., particulate matter, toxic gases) into the air, often from
industrial processes or vehicle emissions, contributing to respiratory diseases and environmental damage.

o Industrial Accidents: Failures or malfunctions in industrial operations (e.g., factory explosions, structural
collapses) leading to injuries, fatalities, and environmental harm.

o War and Conflict: Armed conflict, civil war, and terrorism can lead to displacement, loss of life, and destruction of
infrastructure.
TYPE OF DISASTER – COMPLEX

1. Complex Disasters: These involve a combination of both natural and man-

made factors and can include situations where one disaster exacerbates the
impact of another.

o Pandemics: Widespread disease outbreaks that disrupt societies and economies,

with impacts ranging from loss of life to long-term societal disruption.

o Famine: A severe shortage of food caused by crop failure, often worsened by

conflict, economic instability, or climate-related factors.
 PHASES OF A DISASTER
1. Mitigation:

o Mitigation refers to actions taken to prevent or reduce the severity of a disaster. This can involve building infrastructure to
withstand hazards, improving early warning systems, and addressing underlying vulnerabilities such as poverty or poor land
management.

2. Preparedness:

o Preparedness involves planning and preparing for a disaster before it occurs. This includes creating emergency plans, training
personnel, educating the public, conducting drills, and ensuring resources are available (e.g., emergency supplies, medical kits).

3. Response:

o The response phase is the immediate reaction to a disaster. It involves search and rescue operations, providing emergency relief
(e.g., food, water, medical care), and protecting vulnerable populations. This phase is critical for saving lives and minimizing
further damage.

4. Recovery:

o Recovery involves restoring normalcy after a disaster. It includes rebuilding infrastructure, providing long-term support to
affected populations, and addressing psychological impacts. Recovery can take months or even years, depending on the
severity of the disaster.
 IMPACT OF DISASTERS
 Loss of Life: One of the most tragic consequences of disasters is the loss of human lives.
Natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes often result in significant fatalities,
especially in densely populated areas.

 Economic Losses: Disasters disrupt local and national economies. Infrastructure damage,
business closures, loss of agricultural productivity, and reduced tourism can lead to major
economic setbacks.

 Environmental Damage: Many disasters, such as wildfires, oil spills, and chemical accidents,
can lead to long-term environmental damage, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity.

 Psychological and Social Effects: The trauma and stress caused by disasters can have
long-term psychological effects on survivors, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). Social structures may also be disrupted, leading to displacement, loss
of community networks, and increased vulnerability.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT

•Disaster management is the process of planning, coordinating, and executing

strategies to minimize the impact of disasters. It encompasses all activities
aimed at reducing the risks, preparing for potential events, responding effectively
to emergencies, and supporting long-term recovery efforts.
DIFFERENTIATING THE RISK FACTORS UNDERLYING DISASTERS

•The risk factors underlying disasters can be broadly categorized into natural
and man-made (anthropogenic) causes, but these risk factors often intersect
and compound each other. Disasters occur when certain hazards meet vulnerable
conditions, and their impact is determined by the combination of risk factors at
play. Understanding these factors is crucial for disaster preparedness, mitigation,
and response efforts.
HERE’S A BREAKDOWN OF THE KEY RISK FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO
DIFFERENT TYPES OF DISASTERS:

Natural Risk Factors

Natural disasters are triggered by forces or processes of the Earth’s physical

environment. These events are influenced by natural hazards such as climate,
geology, and geography, but vulnerability factors can increase or decrease the
associated risks.

• Earthquake

• Volcanic Eruption

• Landslide
• Meteorological Risk Factors:
• Hurricane, Typhoons, Cyclone
• Flood
• Droughts
• Wildfire
Climatic and Environmental Risk Factors:
Extreme Heatwaves:
Tsunamis
MAN-MADE (ANTHROPOGENIC) RISK FACTORS

Man-made or anthropogenic disasters are caused by human actions, either

directly or indirectly. These disasters often arise from industrial activities,
technology failures, and social, political, or economic systems.
MAN-MADE (ANTHROPOGENIC) RISK FACTORS

Technological Risk Factors:

Nuclear accidents

Chemical Spills

Oil Spills
MAN-MADE (ANTHROPOGENIC) RISK FACTORS

•Socioeconomic and Political Risk Factors:

Conflict and War

Industrial Accident

Overpopulation and Urbanization

MAN-MADE (ANTHROPOGENIC) RISK FACTORS

Environmental Degradation Risk Factors:

Deforestation and Land Degradation:

Climate Change
VULNERABILITY FACTORS

Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of individuals, communities, or regions to

suffer from the effects of a disaster. Vulnerabilities can amplify the impact of both
natural and man-made disasters, and are influenced by a variety of factors:

Socio Economic Status

Geographic Location

Age and Health

Cultural and Social Factor

SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS

o Poorer communities often have fewer resources for preparedness and

recovery.
o Lack of insurance, inadequate housing, and limited access to healthcare
and education increase vulnerability.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

o People living in high-risk areas (e.g., near fault lines, floodplains, coastal zones) are
more vulnerable to natural disasters.

o Proximity to industrial facilities, nuclear plants, or chemical storage sites increases

risk for man-made disasters.
AGE AND HEALTH

o Children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions are
more susceptible to injury, illness, or death during a disaster.
o People with disabilities may face additional barriers to evacuating
or accessing resources.
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS

o Communities with low levels of education, access to information, or

social cohesion may have more difficulty preparing for and
responding to disasters.
o Social isolation and language barriers can hinder communication
and aid during a crisis.