Unit 1: Basic Concepts of Disaster Risk

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Questions and Answers

What is one way to empower communities to reduce disaster risk?

Establish high-tech warning systems

Increase government funding for disaster management

Conduct information drives and seminars (correct)

Implement stricter building codes

Which of the following is identified as an environmental problem increasing disaster risk?

Overpopulation on small islands

Population growth in urban areas

Increased industrialization

Declining ecosystems (correct)

What social attitude contributes to the apathy toward disaster preparedness in some communities?

Proactive planning

Resourcefulness

Community engagement

Bahala Na attitude (correct)

Which economic factor is mentioned as a vulnerability related to disaster risk?

Lack of financial capability for information drives Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is associated with climate change?

El Niño and La Niña Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome of declining ecosystems mentioned in relation to disasters?

Occurrence of flash floods Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT identified as an underlying risk factor for disasters?

Technological advancement Signup and view all the answers

Which organization assists European organizations during disasters?

Voluntary Organizations in Cooperation in Emergencies (VOICE) Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of unplanned urbanization?

Severe flooding Signup and view all the answers

How does poverty contribute to disaster vulnerability?

It forces people to build homes in hazardous locations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a natural disaster?

Earthquake Signup and view all the answers

What defines natural disasters as predicted or unpredicted?

Some natural disasters can be anticipated, while others cannot. Signup and view all the answers

What role do illegal logging and mining play in natural disasters?

They can exacerbate the severity of natural disasters. Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated number of casualties in the Moro Gulf tsunami of 1976?

5,000-8,000 people Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about migration relating to urbanization?

It can contribute to unplanned urbanization. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of disaster includes events like airplane crashes and wars?

Man-made disasters Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consequence of oil spills on marine life?

They kill marine animals by depriving them of oxygen and light. Signup and view all the answers

What event is referred to as the Rizal Day bombings?

A series of bombings resulting in 22 deaths in Metro Manila. Signup and view all the answers

Which systematic response to disasters could include feelings such as fear and shock?

Psychological effects of disasters. Signup and view all the answers

One of the symptoms of shock after a disaster includes which of the following?

Irregular breathing and confusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common psychological effect that may lead to extreme sadness in disaster victims?

Grief. Signup and view all the answers

What human activity is primarily responsible for oil spills?

Human negligence. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional symptom might indicate a survivor's feelings of guilt after a disaster?

Thoughts of what could have been done Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the effects of oil spills on land?

They contribute to health problems through water system pollution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a physical symptom of disasters?

Physical sickness like fever Signup and view all the answers

How did the Tubbataha reef sustain damage?

By the grounding of the USS Guardian. Signup and view all the answers

Irritability in disaster victims can be characterized by which of the following?

Easily frustrated by small events Signup and view all the answers

What social effect might occur among families during or after a disaster?

Rebuilding of broken relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a common emotional response of survivors towards those unaffected by a disaster?

Feelings of bitterness Signup and view all the answers

A sudden change in appetite in disaster victims often indicates what type of effect?

Physical effect Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a typical social effect of a disaster on children?

Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities Signup and view all the answers

What might someone experiencing dissatisfaction from support after a disaster be feeling?

Let down by their community or family Signup and view all the answers

Which storm led to the highest number of casualties among the events listed?

Super Typhoon Yolanda Signup and view all the answers

What was the date of occurrence for the July 16 earthquake?

July 16, 1990 Signup and view all the answers

Which place was most devastated by the eruption of Mayon Volcano?

Albay Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many casualties resulted from Typhoon Bopha?

1,900 people dead or missing Signup and view all the answers

Which disaster occurred on February 17, 2006?

Guinsaugon Landslide Signup and view all the answers

In which region did Typhoon Trix cause destruction?

Bicol Region Signup and view all the answers

What is the common characteristic of man-made disasters?

They are directly caused by human actions Signup and view all the answers

What was the casualty count for the eruption of Taal Volcano?

1,300 people Signup and view all the answers

What is one economic effect of disasters on families?

Loss of job of a family member Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes to the decline of the tourism industry during a disaster?

Damaged sceneries Signup and view all the answers

What is a sociological or psychological after-effect of disasters?

Loss of livelihood Signup and view all the answers

Which coping mechanism encourages individuals to communicate their feelings after a disaster?

Encourage open communication and support Signup and view all the answers

What is one way individuals can cope with the effects of disasters according to the strategies listed?

Take care of yourself Signup and view all the answers

What type of damage can disasters cause to infrastructure?

Damage to national infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agricultural products is likely to be affected by agricultural damage from disasters?

Rice Signup and view all the answers

What effect do disasters generally have on businesses?

Loss of business by merchants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 1: Basic Concept of Disaster and Disaster Risk

A disaster is anything that disrupts the normal functioning of people, events, and circumstances. Disasters may be predicted or unpredicted. Unpredicted calamities are more disastrous than predicted ones.
A formula for understanding disasters is presented by the International Federation of Red Cross: (Vulnerability + Hazard) / Capacity = Disaster

Sample Application of Vulnerability

A community that lacks disaster risk reduction knowledge is vulnerable.
A family member who refuses to evacuate, despite warnings, is vulnerable.

What is a Hazard?

A hazard is any condition or circumstance that endangers a person, thing, or situation. Hazards may be man-made or natural.

The Concept of Disaster Risk

Disaster risk is the assessed damage to a person or property as a result of a hazard.
Disaster risk is determined by the combination of Hazard, Exposure, and Vulnerability.
Risk = Hazard + Exposure + Vulnerability

Reducing Disaster Risk

To reduce disaster risk, one needs to lessen vulnerability by empowering people.
Keep exposure away from hazards by relocating people and property.
Develop disaster preparedness with drills.

Risk Factors Underlying Disaster

Environmental Problems:
- Declining Ecosystems: Environmental degradation from the exploitation of natural resources (rivers and mountains) can cause disasters like flash floods.
Social Factors:
- Apathy: Lack of concern for disaster preparedness among Filipinos, which can sometimes be attributed to a "Bahala Na" attitude, which makes people react only during the occurrence of disaster.
Economic Vulnerabilities:
- The lack of the financial capability of concerned parties to fund disaster information for builders and the cost-effective thinking can make people susceptible to disasters.
Climate Change:
- Changes in weather patterns (like El Niño and La Niña) are a global concern affecting the weather systems, such as breaking ice in the poles, and changing tides. This, in turn, increases the risk of disasters.
Human Factors:
- Unplanned Urbanization: Urban growth lacking in planning may cause widespread flooding in cities or municipalities. Migration for better livelihoods or due to a lack thereof can cause unplanned urbanization as people settle without regard to the risks.
- Underdevelopment/Poverty: Poverty makes people more vulnerable as they often build homes in high-risk areas, such as alongside rivers or in dump sites, thus increasing risks of further disasters.

Nature of Disasters

Disasters are classified as either natural or man-made.
Natural Disasters: These include earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Natural disasters may or may not be the result of human activity, such as illegal logging or mining.
Man-made Disasters: These include airplane crashes, terrorist attacks, and wars.

Top Ten Deadliest Natural Disasters in the Philippines

The list includes the Moro Gulf Tsunami (1976), Tropical Storm Thelma (1991), Typhoon Bopha (2012), July 16 Earthquake (1990), Typhoon Ike (1984), Eruption of Taal Volcano (1911), Eruption of Mayon Volcano (1814), Guinsaugon Landslide (2006), Typhoon Washi (2011), Typhoon Trix (1952), and Super Typhoon Yolanda (2014). Each of these events has an associated date, location, and casualty number.

Incidence of Man-Made Disasters in the Philippines

Tubbataha reef damage
Oil spills
The Rizal Day bombings (2000)

Effects of Disaster on One's Life

Psychological Effects: Disasters can cause fear, shock, grief, and irritability.
Emotional Effects: Disasters can cause feelings of guilt, dissatisfaction, or bitterness.
Physical Effects: Physical symptoms such as headaches, fever, cough, change in appetite, poor sleeping, and constipation can be observed.
Social Effects: Disasters can lead to loss of interest in activities, family rebuilding, and an expansion of social circles.
Economic Effects: Disasters can cause job loss, business loss, damaged infrastructure (bridges, buildings, and roads), forfeiture of investment, and a decline in tourism. Agriculture can also be impacted.

Coping with the Effects of Disasters

Self-Care: Prioritize self-care as family members also need support.
Open Communication: Encourage open communication of feelings to lessen sadness.
Bravery: Be brave and supportive when family members need support.
Good Listener: Be a good listener and offer hope.
Routine: Maintain a regular routine (school, work, eating, and sleeping). Avoid disturbing discussions and violent media.
Positive Attributes: Cultivate positive attributes like belief in God, optimism, confidence, and wisdom.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of disaster and disaster risk in this quiz based on Unit 1. Understand the definitions of disasters, hazards, and how vulnerability plays a key role in assessing disaster risk. Test your knowledge on the relationships between these elements and their applications in real-world scenarios.