Questions and Answers
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?
A sudden ecological phenomenon of sufficient magnitude to require external assistance.
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)
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How does the classification of disasters depend on their size?
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Name the types of disasters classified by the WHO?
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Which of the following are types of natural disasters? (Select all that apply)
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Which of the following are examples of man-made disasters? (Select all that apply)
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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).
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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.
