Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the definition of a disaster?
What is the definition of a disaster?
A rare and unexpected event of severe magnitude, creating severe damage and casualties that overwhelm our ability to cope, requiring external help.
How does the WHO define a disaster?
How does the WHO define a disaster?
A sudden ecological phenomenon of sufficient magnitude to require external assistance.
What is the UN's definition of a disaster?
What is the UN's definition of a disaster?
A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society due to hazardous events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability, and capacity.
Which of the following are main features of a disaster? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are main features of a disaster? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
How does the classification of disasters depend on their size?
How does the classification of disasters depend on their size?
Signup and view all the answers
Name the types of disasters classified by the WHO?
Name the types of disasters classified by the WHO?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following are types of natural disasters? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are types of natural disasters? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following are examples of man-made disasters? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are examples of man-made disasters? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Disasters: Definition and Characteristics
- Disasters are rare, severe events that cause significant damage and require external assistance.
- WHO defines disasters as sudden ecological phenomena of sufficient magnitude to necessitate external help.
- The UN defines a disaster as a serious disruption affecting community or societal functioning, leading to significant human, material, economic, and environmental losses.
Main Features of Disasters
- Frequency of occurrence can vary among disasters.
- Magnitude or power determines the severity of the impact.
- Consequences include extensive property damage and threats to life and health.
- A disparity exists between required and available resources for disaster response.
- External assistance is often essential to manage the aftermath.
Classification of Disasters
- Classified by the size of the damaged area: local, regional, or global.
- Classified by casualties: moderate (25-100), medium (100-1000), and large (>1000).
- Continuance classification indicates duration: short (up to 1 hour), medium (up to 24 hours), prolonged (>24 hours).
WHO and Bulgaria Disaster Classification
- WHO classifies disasters based on origin into four categories:
- Natural
- Man-made
- Transport-related
- Other types
Types of Natural Disasters
- Meteorological: storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, extreme weather conditions.
- Topological: floods, landslides, avalanches that alter landforms.
- Tectonic: earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occurring beneath the Earth's surface.
- Cosmic: disasters resulting from space objects, such as comets or meteors.
Types of Man-made Disasters
- Large industrial failures can include chemical leaks or explosions.
- Socio-economic disasters involve financial crises, terrorism, famine, and social unrest.
- Wars that do not involve weapons of mass destruction.
- Transport accidents encompass various modes, including road, air (plane crashes), maritime (shipwrecks), and railway (train accidents).
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore key definitions and classifications of disasters through this flashcard quiz. Understand what constitutes a disaster and the principles surrounding their management. Perfect for students seeking to grasp the essential concepts in disaster studies.
