Disaster Management Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What can high population density lead to in the context of disasters?

Improved disaster preparedness

Reduction in emotional aftershocks

Decreased risk of health issues

Increased vulnerability and exposure (correct)

Which perspective focuses on the psychological impact of disasters?

Economic Perspective

Physical Perspective

Political Perspective

Psychological Perspective (correct)

What is a significant effect of disasters on communities?

Food scarcity and water shortage (correct)

Increased population growth

Economic advancement

Enhanced infrastructure development

Which perspective deals with government roles in disaster management?

Political Perspective Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a health risk associated with disasters?

Infectious disease outbreaks Signup and view all the answers

What does environmental degradation reduce according to the content?

Ecosystem's capacity to meet needs Signup and view all the answers

Which effect typically follows psychological trauma from disasters?

Post-traumatic stress disorder Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does rapid and unplanned urbanization amplify in disaster contexts?

Risks associated with disasters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a physical element?

Access to basic human rights Signup and view all the answers

What factor does NOT contribute to the social dimension of vulnerability?

Biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

How does proper planning influence the physical dimension of vulnerability?

It minimizes potential damage or casualties. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes economic elements of vulnerability?

Business and trade activities Signup and view all the answers

What is one aspect that does NOT affect the physical dimension of vulnerability?

Literacy rates Signup and view all the answers

Which group is considered under societal elements of vulnerability?

Children and the elderly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an environmental element?

Air quality Signup and view all the answers

What does increased susceptibility to hazards indicate about vulnerability?

Higher vulnerability levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary definition of a disaster?

A serious disruption in the functioning of a community due to hazardous events. Signup and view all the answers

Which factors are considered in the disaster risk formula?

Hazard, Vulnerability, Exposure, Capacity Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'exposure' refer to in the context of disaster risk?

People and assets in hazard-prone areas. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'vulnerability' in the disaster risk context?

The susceptibility of individuals and communities to impacts from hazards. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT considered a natural hazard?

Terrorism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is a disaster risk driver?

Climate Change Signup and view all the answers

How does poverty influence disaster risk?

It leads to greater vulnerability and disaster impacts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these attributes contributes to a community's capacity to manage disaster risks?

Knowledge and skills available within the community Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to higher vulnerability for elderly individuals during disasters?

Physical limitations and health issues Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of children that affects their vulnerability?

Inadequate ability to defend themselves Signup and view all the answers

How does poverty-stricken status increase vulnerability?

Limits access to basic services and education Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of structural vulnerability is influenced by location?

Soil condition and elevation Signup and view all the answers

Which group faces barriers to evacuation during disasters, increasing their vulnerability?

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Signup and view all the answers

What is one effect of ecosystem degradation on vulnerability?

Higher exposure to environmental disasters Signup and view all the answers

Why are indigenous peoples more vulnerable to environmental hazards?

Dependency on natural resources Signup and view all the answers

What defines vulnerability in terms of exposed elements?

Identifying weaknesses in various elements Signup and view all the answers

What can increase disaster risks during events like earthquakes or fires?

Adjacent structures Signup and view all the answers

Which building characteristic makes taller buildings more vulnerable in disasters?

Poor engineering Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk factor related to the placement of heavy items in buildings?

Placement near doors or windows Signup and view all the answers

How can improper storage of hazardous materials influence disaster risks?

It can cause severe accidents Signup and view all the answers

Which group is considered vulnerable in disaster scenarios?

Children and elderly individuals Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence disaster risk according to the equation Disaster Risk = Hazard x Vulnerability x Exposure?

Hazard, exposure, and vulnerability Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of disaster prevention measures?

To eliminate hazards or exposure Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a mitigation strategy in disaster risk management?

Flood barriers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Disaster Definition

A disaster is a serious disruption within a community or society due to hazardous events interacting with exposure, vulnerability, and capacity.
This can result in losses of life, materials, economy, and environment.
Example: A typhoon passing through a city.

Disaster Risk

Disaster risk is the potential loss of life, injury, or asset damage within a community.
This is determined probabilistically by:
- Hazard
- Exposure
- Vulnerability
- Capacity

Disaster Risk Formula

Disaster Risk = (Hazard x Vulnerability x Exposure) / Capacity

Key Concepts

1. Hazard

A process, phenomenon, or human activity that can lead to:
- Loss of life
- Property damage
- Health impacts
- Economic disruption
- Environmental degradation

2. Exposure

People, infrastructure, housing, or assets in hazard-prone areas.

3. Vulnerability

The susceptibility of individuals, communities, or systems to hazard impacts.
Determined by:
- Physical factors
- Social conditions
- Economic standing
- Environmental processes

4. Capacity

The strengths, resources, and attributes within a community/organization to reduce disaster risk and enhance resilience.
- Knowledge and skills
- Infrastructure
- Local leadership and governance

Nature of Disasters

1. Natural Hazards and Disasters

Resulting from natural processes:
- Floods
- Volcanic eruptions
- Earthquakes
- Cyclones
- Landslides

2. Human-Induced/Man-Made Hazards and Disasters

Arising from human actions:
- Chemical threats
- Cyber-attacks
- Terrorism
- Civil unrest

Disaster Risk Drivers

Factors increasing disaster risks:
- Climate Change
- Poverty
- Socio-Economic Inequality
- Population Density/Growth
- Rapid and Unplanned Urbanization
- Environmental Degradation

Different Effects of Disasters

Deaths, injuries, missing persons
Displaced populations
Increased health risks (infectious diseases)
Food and water shortages
Emotional distress/trauma
Economic losses
Infrastructure and property damage

Disaster Perspectives

Analysing disasters from different perspectives (physical, psychological, socio-cultural, economic, political, biological) to understand the impacts and loss.

Exposure Elements

Tangible or intangible elements present in hazard zones.
Physical elements: infrastructure (bridges, roads), facilities (schools, hospitals), utilities (power, water), and transportation.

Dimensions of Vulnerability

Susceptibility to hazard impacts, influenced by physical, social, economic, and environmental factors.

Variation of Vulnerability Across Sectors

Age, gender, health status, and poverty can impact vulnerability.
Children, elderly, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, and poverty-stricken groups are more vulnerable.

Understanding Vulnerability

Identifying weaknesses in exposed elements (individuals, communities, etc.).
Factors influencing vulnerability:
- Structure location and elevation (e.g., soft soil prone to liquefaction)
- Coastal areas susceptible to storm surges and tsunamis

Hazard, Exposure, Vulnerability, and Disaster Risk

Hazard: likelihood and intensity of an event
Exposure: presence of elements at risk
Vulnerability: susceptibility of exposed elements
Disaster Risk = Hazard x Vulnerability x Exposure

Reducing Disaster Risk

Prevention: eliminate hazards or exposures (e.g., immunizations, zoning laws).
Mitigation: reduce the impact of hazards (e.g., flood barriers, reforestation).
Adaptation: modify behavior to reduce risk (e.g., safe electrical practices, hygiene protocols).

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts of disaster management, including definitions of disasters, disaster risk, and the components of the disaster risk formula. Understand how hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and capacity interact to influence disaster outcomes.