Disaster Management and Types of Disasters

Study Notes

Disaster Definition

A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event severely disrupting a community or society
Causes substantial human, material, and economic/environmental losses
Losses exceed the community's/society's capacity to cope using its own resources
Can be caused by nature (often), or humans
Disaster = (Vulnerability + Hazard) / Capacity

Types of Disasters

Natural Hazards:
- Geophysical: Earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic activity
- Hydrological: Avalanches, floods
- Climatological: Extreme temperatures, drought, wildfires
- Meteorological: Cyclones, storms, wave surges
- Biological: Disease epidemics, insect/animal plagues
Technological/Man-Made Hazards:
- Complex emergencies/conflicts, famine, displaced populations
- Industrial accidents, transport accidents
- Environmental degradation, pollution, accidents
- Occur in or close to human settlements

Disaster Occurrence

A disaster happens when hazards impact vulnerable populations
This is caused by: Hazards, vulnerability, and inability to reduce negative risks

Contributing Factors to Increased Disaster Risk

Climate change, unplanned urbanization, under-development/poverty
Threat of pandemics
These factors lead to increased frequency, complexity, and severity of disasters.

Description

This quiz covers the key concepts of disasters, including their definitions and various types. It explores natural hazards like earthquakes and floods, as well as human-made disasters such as industrial accidents. Understanding these elements is crucial for effectively managing disaster risk.