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Questions and Answers
What is the etymology of the word 'disaster'?
What is the etymology of the word 'disaster'?
The word 'disaster' comes from 'disastro', an Italian word formed by combining the negative prefix 'dis' and the noun 'astro', meaning star.
According to the World Health Organization, a disaster is defined as:
According to the World Health Organization, a disaster is defined as:
A disaster results from the combination of _____, _____ and insufficient capacity.
A disaster results from the combination of _____, _____ and insufficient capacity.
hazard, vulnerability
Which of the following is NOT a type of hazard?
Which of the following is NOT a type of hazard?
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What is vulnerability in the context of disaster management?
What is vulnerability in the context of disaster management?
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Hazards can be considered disasters only if they affect humans.
Hazards can be considered disasters only if they affect humans.
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Define capacity in disaster management.
Define capacity in disaster management.
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What is risk in the context of disaster management?
What is risk in the context of disaster management?
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Study Notes
Concepts and Definitions
- Disaster: An occurrence disrupting normal existence, causing suffering beyond a community's adjustment capacity (WHO).
- Disaster results from the interplay of hazard and vulnerability against available capacity: Vulnerability + Hazard = Disaster.
Etymology of Disaster
- Originates from the Italian "disastro," combining the negative prefix 'dis' with 'astro,' meaning 'star,' referring to an unfavorable celestial position.
Hazard Types
- Hazard: Dangerous conditions or events posing threats to life, property, or environment.
- Types of Hazards:
- Natural Hazards: Earthquakes, floods, droughts, cyclones, landslides, heat waves.
- Manmade Hazards: Industrial accidents, pollution, wars.
- Socio-Natural Hazards: Events influenced by human activities, such as epidemics and pandemics.
Disaster vs. Hazard
- Hazard: A potential threat that could cause harm.
- Disaster: An event inflicting actual harm and disrupting societal functions.
- Example: An earthquake in an uninhabited area is a hazard; impact on populated regions transforms it into a disaster.
Vulnerability
- Defined as the degree of susceptibility to harm or destruction when exposed to hostile factors.
- Vulnerability factors include social, economic, cultural, and environmental aspects that impair preparation and coping mechanisms.
Capacity
- Refers to resources and strengths of communities enabling them to manage disasters.
- Effective capacity strengthens preparedness, mitigation, and recovery efforts.
Risk
- Risk is the potential for negative outcomes when hazards interact with vulnerable areas.
- The risk triangle: Risk increases with elevated hazard, vulnerability, or decreased capacity, and vice versa.
- Eliminating one side of the risk triangle results in zero risk.
History of Disasters
- Historically, major disasters like earthquakes, floods, and droughts have posed significant risks to societies, affecting development trajectories.
Relationship Between Disaster and Development
- Disasters can severely impede development by diverting resources and disrupting economic stability.
Disaster Management Cycle
- Involves preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation to effectively manage potential disasters.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts and definitions related to disasters and disaster management. It includes the history of disasters, their characteristics, consequences, and the relationship between disasters and development. Explore the foundational aspects of disaster management and its cycle.
