Human-Induced and Technological Hazards

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of disaster risk assessment?

To increase the economic value of vulnerable areas.

To ensure all risks are eliminated completely.

To understand hazards and vulnerabilities to minimize risks. (correct)

To develop new technologies for disaster recovery.

Which approach is characterized by using numerical values and statistical methods?

Subjective risk evaluation.

Quantitative risk assessment. (correct)

Qualitative risk assessment.

Descriptive risk analysis.

How can expert judgment contribute to risk assessment?

By leveraging the knowledge and experience of disaster management professionals. (correct)

By ignoring past incidents to focus on present data.

By providing a one-size-fits-all solution to risks.

By enhancing community involvement in decision-making.

What method involves structured discussions to gather insights on potential risks?

Focus groups. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is crucial for effective disaster risk assessment?

Understanding how hazards and vulnerabilities change over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of qualitative risk assessment?

Use of statistical analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant outcome of disaster risk assessment for policymakers?

To understand how actions reduce vulnerabilities and risks. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Hyogo Framework for Action emphasize as a starting point for reducing disaster risk?

Knowledge of hazards and vulnerabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula used to calculate the Risk Rating?

Risk Rating = Likelihood × Severity Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym ALARP stand for in risk management?

As Low As Reasonably Practicable Signup and view all the answers

What is the process that follows control development in disaster management?

Control Implementation Signup and view all the answers

What are residual risks?

Risks that remain after risk mitigation efforts Signup and view all the answers

Which phase is considered the most time and budget-consuming in multi-hazard risk mapping?

Data Collection, Consolidation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Risk Map?

To represent risks across different geographical areas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in a base map?

Emergency contact numbers Signup and view all the answers

Who are considered stakeholders in the context of emergency response coordination?

Community members and emergency responders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sources can be used to create a base map for a community?

Google Maps Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is primarily disaggregated when collected regarding disasters?

Sex, types of vulnerabilities, and disaster risks Signup and view all the answers

Who provides information on capacity, vulnerability, and disaster risks during mapping tasks?

PWDs and their relatives, children, and local organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of synthesizing collected information into a common table?

To ensure accurate sharing and prioritization for disaster response Signup and view all the answers

Which group is NOT involved in providing information for disaster risk mapping?

Professional military units Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the information collected before a disaster occurs?

It is verified and commented on by local authorities. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of disaster risk mapping, which of the following is NOT an objective?

Developing a historical archive of past disasters Signup and view all the answers

What role do cultural houses of local people play in disaster information collection?

They serve as gathering points for information collection. Signup and view all the answers

What method is used for digitizing paper-based maps?

Manually transferring them using QGIS software tools Signup and view all the answers

What key factor influences the accuracy of digitizing paper-based maps?

The technical capacity of the support groups Signup and view all the answers

Which group is involved in the annual map updating process?

Local leaders and representatives from various sectors Signup and view all the answers

What type of layers is NOT used in the mapping process?

Circular layers for ocean areas Signup and view all the answers

What is one application of the risk map during disaster risk reduction?

To organize evacuation drills Signup and view all the answers

What do TSGs need to consider during annual map updates?

Feedback from community meetings Signup and view all the answers

How is geo-referencing achieved in the digitization process?

Adding real coordinates to scanned photos Signup and view all the answers

What type of non-geographical features can be represented on the maps?

Texts for titles and labels such as churches Signup and view all the answers

What are anthropogenic hazards primarily characterized by?

Human activities that pose significant risks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a technological hazard?

Nuclear incidents Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary health impacts of nuclear radiation?

Cell damage and sickness Signup and view all the answers

How can coastal development contribute to environmental degradation?

By disrupting natural landscapes Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant economic impact of technological hazards?

Decline in local tourism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of pollution?

Increased biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

What type of hazards arise from the social structures of communities?

Social hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is a long-term environmental consequence of climate change?

Disruption of biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following health impacts is associated with exposure to high radiation levels?

Nausea and fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of agricultural runoff on the environment?

Water pollution and contamination Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Human-Induced Hazards

Human activities pose significant risks to life, property, and the environment.
These hazards are a result of human actions or negligence.
They can have devastating consequences, ranging from immediate loss of life and property to long-term environmental and health impacts.

Technological Hazards

These hazards arise from the use and failure of technology and industrial processes.
Examples include industrial spills, transport accidents, factory explosions, and nuclear incidents.
These hazards can create environmental contamination, health issues, and economic disruption.

Health Impacts of Technological Hazards

Nuclear radiation can cause sickness by damaging cells in the body.
High levels of radiation can harm DNA and other parts of cells.
This damage can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, or death in severe cases.

Psychological Stress and Trauma can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Environmental Impacts of Technological Hazards

Soil and water sources can be contaminated.
Plant cell damage can lead to stunted growth, mutations, or death.
Animals can experience sickness, genetic mutations, reproductive issues, and food chain disruption.

Economic Impacts of Technological Hazards

Technological hazards impact the economy through cleanup costs, healthcare expenses, agricultural losses, tourism decline, and business disruption.

Environmental Degradation

Environmental degradation occurs due to human activities and natural processes.
It includes depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of ecosystems.
Examples include deforestation, pollution, climate change, and coral reef degradation.

Causes of Environmental Degradation

Pollution: From agricultural runoff, marine debris, or chemical pollution.
Climate Change and Ocean Acidification: Rising global temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels weaken marine ecosystems, disrupt biodiversity, and increase the frequency and intensity of storms, contributing to coastal erosion and flooding.
Coastal Development: Unregulated construction and infrastructure projects along coastlines disrupt natural landscapes, destroy protective ecosystems, and increase vulnerability to storms, flooding, and erosion.
Tourism and Recreational Activities: Overuse of coastal areas for tourism leads to habitat destruction, pollution, and degradation of natural defenses, which increases susceptibility to coastal hazards.

Social hazards arise from social structures and behaviours that negatively impact individuals or communities.
Examples include conflicts and terrorism.

Risk Assessment

A qualitative or quantitative approach to determine the nature and extent of a disaster risk.
It analyzes potential hazards and evaluates existing conditions of exposure and vulnerability.
It helps inform decision-making of policymakers and identify potential damage to people, property, services, livelihoods, and the environment.

Importance of Disaster Risk Assessment

Understanding hazards and vulnerabilities in physical, social, economic, and environmental systems is crucial for reducing disaster risk.
This knowledge guides actions to minimize risks and build resilience.

Risk Assessment Methods

Qualitative: Uses descriptive terms and subjective judgments to understand the specific context and characteristics of potential disasters.
- Expert Judgment: Gathering insights from disaster management professionals.
- Interviews: Conducting structured conversations with relevant individuals.
- Focus Groups: Facilitating discussions with groups to explore potential risks.
Quantitative: Uses numerical values and statistical methods to provide objective, measurable assessments.
- Risk Rating: Determined by multiplying likelihood and severity.
- Complete Risk Assessment Form: Develop control measures to minimize risks.

Risk Assessment in Disaster Management using Risk Matrix

Control Development: Implementing control measures to minimize risks.
- Emergency Response Plan: A plan for effective response to disasters.
- Coordination Across Multiple Stakeholders: Engaging community members, leaders, and emergency responders.
- Raise Awareness and Support Recovery Efforts: Engaging the public and providing post-disaster support.
Evaluate then Identify Residual Risks: Risks that remain after efforts to mitigate risks.
Risk Map: A visual representation of risks across different geographical areas.

Phases of Multi-Hazard Risk Mapping

Developing Base Map: Creating a map with basic information about the area.
- Name of the map, direction, administrative boundaries, main streets, rivers, mountains, basic infrastructure, cultural houses.
**Data Collection and Consolidation:**Gathering information on the community's capacity, vulnerability, and risks.
- This phase is time and budget-consuming and involves gathering updates on existing maps and information from the community.
Develop and Verify Disaster Risk Map with Stakeholder Participation: Digitizing data from paper-based maps.
- Accurately transferring information onto a digital map using software such as QGIS.
- Including different map layers: Points, lines, polygons, and texts to represent different features.
**Share and Update Maps Annually:**Sharing maps with local people and stakeholders.
- Holding meetings with community members to provide feedback and update the map annually.
Use Maps for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Using maps for disaster risk reduction planning.
- Developing disaster risk reduction plans, organizing evacuation drills, and assisting with damage and needs assessments.

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Description

This quiz explores the various human-induced and technological hazards that pose risks to life, property, and the environment. It examines the consequences of these hazards, including their health and social impacts. Understand how human activities and failures in technology can lead to devastating outcomes.