Disaster Risk Management Basics

Questions and Answers

Which of the following shows a disaster? (Select all that apply)

A landslide along the highway (correct)

A typhoon leaving great damage of properties (correct)

A man falling from the top of the roof causing his death (correct)

A storm surge (correct)

How can we reduce the risk brought about by disasters?

Increasing the hazard, exposure, and vulnerability while decreasing the capacity

Increasing the capacity while decreasing the hazard, exposure, and vulnerability

Decreasing the capacity, hazard, exposure, and vulnerability (correct)

Decreasing the hazard, capacity, vulnerability while increasing the exposure

What makes the Philippines a vicinity of different kinds of calamity every year?

Philippines is a small country

Philippines is a developing country

Philippines is an archipelago (correct)

Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire (correct)

An event becomes a disaster when it leaves ___________________.

many casualties Signup and view all the answers

A sudden event, such as an accident or natural catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life is called __________________.

disaster Signup and view all the answers

What are the main natural disasters mentioned in the content?

Volcanic eruptions, typhoons, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods Signup and view all the answers

The Philippines is ranked third on the list of most vulnerable countries to climate change.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym DISASTER stand for?

Disruption, Impact, Sudden event, Affect different levels, Safe keeping, Total damages, Exceed capacity Signup and view all the answers

What is the disaster risk equation?

Risk = Hazard x Vulnerability / Capacity Signup and view all the answers

What are some essential items for disaster preparedness?

Non-perishable foods, water, flashlight, portable battery-operated radio, first-aid kit Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basic Concepts of Disaster and Disaster Risk

A disaster is defined as a severe disruption impacting daily societal functions, resulting in extensive human, property, and ecological losses.
Factors such as capacity, hazard, exposure, and vulnerability influence disaster risk.
The Philippines, being an archipelago, faces various calamities annually, largely due to its geographical positioning.

Disaster Characteristics

Events become classified as disasters primarily due to the number of casualties incurred.
A disaster is characterized as a sudden event causing significant damages or loss of life.
The term "disaster" originates from French, indicating a "bad star," reflecting ancient beliefs that disasters were caused by unfortunate cosmic influences.

Vulnerability and Risk

Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of individuals or communities to the consequences of disasters.
Risk is calculated using the formula: Risk = Hazard x Vulnerability / Capacity, emphasizing the importance of assessing both hazards and community capabilities.

Natural and Man-Made Disasters

Natural disasters include events like typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and floods, deriving from environmental disturbances.
Man-made disasters are caused by human error, whether intentional or accidental, such as oil spills or nuclear incidents.

Disaster Preparedness

Essential items for disaster preparedness include non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, and sanitation supplies.
Individuals should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days post-disaster.

Republic Act No. 10121

RA 10121 aims to transform the Philippines' disaster management framework towards disaster risk reduction.
The act seeks to minimize risks associated with disasters, enhancing community safety and resilience.

Hazard, Exposure, and Capacity

Hazards are conditions that increase the likelihood of a disaster, often arising from natural or human factors.
Exposure assesses the likelihood of affected individuals or communities encountering disaster impacts.
Capacity refers to the resources and capabilities available to manage and respond to disaster situations effectively.

Importance of Risk Assessment

Conducting risk assessments is vital for identifying potential natural or man-made threats that communities may face.
Understanding disaster risks allows for better preparedness and resource allocation to mitigate impacts.

Overall Context

The Philippines ranks third globally in vulnerability to climate change, with over 24% disaster risk.
It is frequently hit by typhoons, with an average of 20 occurrences annually, underscoring the urgent need for effective disaster management strategies.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of disaster and disaster risk, focusing on factors like capacity, hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. Learn how these elements impact communities, particularly in disaster-prone regions such as the Philippines. This quiz will deepen your understanding of the characteristics and classifications of disasters.