DISASTER
READINESS AND
RISK REDUCTION
A DISASTER hits in any place at any
period of any year. It sees no color,
knows no culture, and recognizes no
geographical boundaries. It puts lives
and properties at risk.
The
FREQUENCY OF DISASTER
occurrences challenges the
government. The tasks of the
goverment become even more
challenging especially in disaster-
prone areas like the Philippines.
However, the task of disaster risk
reduction is not the sole
responsibility of the government. The
citizens, including students and
various sectors must
PARTICIPATE
in this task.
THE CONCEPT OF DISASTER
LESSON 1
DISASTER
“A disaster is a sudden, calamitous
event that seriously disrupt the
functioning of a community or a
society causing widespread human,
material, economic or enviromental
losses, which exceeds the ability of the
affected community or society to cope,
using its own resources”.
ited Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISRD
DISASTER
“A disaster is any occurence that causes
damage, ecological disruption, loss of
human life, deterioration of health and
health services, on a scale sufficient to
warrant an extraordinary response
from outside the affected community or
area”.
World Health Organization (WHO), 2004)
DISASTER
“Disasters are natural or man-made
emergencies that cannot be handled by
affected communities who experience
severe danger and incur loss of lives and
properties causing disruption in its social
structure and prevention in the
fulfillment of all or some of the affected
communities essential functions”.
Disaster Risk Reduction Manual of the Department of Education
TYPHOON YOLANDA (2013)
Typhoon Yolanda is a
CASUALTIES: disaster since it caused a
DEAD: 5,936
INJURED: 27,022 lot of casualties, damages
and losses. Donations
from different groups
TOTAL DAMAGE: were given to help the
(Infrastructure and
Agriculture) affected communities
recover since they cannot
PHP 35 527 886 330 . 67 handle the situations on
their own.
National Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management
GUIMARAS OIL SPILL (2006) Guimaras oil spill on August
1000 hectares of 2006 where 2.1 million L of
oil leak in Guimaras strait. It
mangroves were affected
caused massive destruction
including Taklong Island
of marine resources which
Sanctuary
Threatened species like impacted the livelihood of
people living nearby
dugong.
Threatened blue crab especially the fishermen. As
a response, different groups
industry
Damaged reef and from the local and
international agencies
mangroves
Impact livelihood of helped during the clean-up.
Some also donated their
fishermen
hairs to help in the oil
removal.
World Wildlife Fund Global
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
(1) DISASTER is an unplanned
occurrence that leads to severe
loss of lives and extreme
damage to properties which
warrant an extraordinary response. It is
an unfortunate and disruptive event
that commonly happens throughout
(2) Typhoon, earthquake, volcanic
eruption, tsunami, forest fire, tornado,
global warming, drought,
flood, and even the COVID-19
pandemic are considered disasters.
(3) A disaster happens because of
hazard and vulnerabilities in the
community. If hazards and
vulnerabilities can be lessened,
the effect of a disaster may not be too
damaging.
(4) Vulnerability contributes more to
the possibility of having a
disaster compared to
hazards.
THE CONCEPT OF DISASTER
RISK
LESSON 2
DISASTERS are described as a result of the combination of:
(1) the exposure to HAZARD
(2) the condition of the
VULNERABILITY present.
(3) INSUFFICIENT CAPACITY to
reduce or cope with potential
negative consequences.
HAZARD
It is a dangerous phenomenon,
substance, human activity or condition
that may CAUSE loss of life, injury or
other health impacts, property damage,
loss of livelihoods and services, social
and economic disruption, or
environmental damage.
d Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction or UNISDR (
NATURAL HAZARDS
Naturally-occurring physical phenomena caused either by rapid or slow
onset events.
HYDRO-
BIOLOGICAL GEOLOGICAL METEOROLOGICAL TECHNOLOGICAL
HAZARDS HAZARDS HAZARDS OR
(“bios” - life) (“geo” - earth) (“hydro” - water) & MAN-MADE
(“meteoros” - sky)
HAZARDS
A hazard originating
from technological or
industrial conditions,
A process or
including accidents,
phenomenon of organic
dangerous
origin or conveyed by
procedures,
biological A process or phenomenon
A geological infrastructure
vectors/agents, of atmospheric,
process or failures, or specific
including exposure to hydrological or
phenomenon. human activities.
pathogenic oceanographic nature.
microorganisms, toxins
and
NATURAL HAZARDS in
general can’t be prevented
but can be anticipated.
MAN-MADE HAZARDS
can frequently be prevented
and anticipated. In both
cases, the worst effects of
hazards may be reduced or
mitigated.
VULNERABILITY
“A set of prevailing or consequential
conditions, which adversely affect
the community ability to prevent,
mitigate, prepare for and respond to
hazardous events”
Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (2006)
Vulnerability is present in the
community or society even
before a disaster happens . It
precedes disaster; contribute
to its severity, impede
disaster response, and may
continue
to exist long after a disaster
has struck.
Who are so-called MOST VULNERABLE
SECTORS?
They are the community members
whose capacities are low and not
sufficient to withstand and overcome
the damaging and adverse effects of
disasters.
They are composed of farmers,
urban poor, laborers, indigenous
people, persons with disabilities
(PWDs), women, and children.
In addition, they are the so-called
abused sectors and at the lowest
level of the society.
Who are so-called LESS VULNERABLE SECTORS?
They are the community members
whose capacities start from their
own ability to acquire material
resources; skills and trainings; and
position in society.
They are composed of professionals,
small entrepreneurs, and other
similar to those who belong to the
higher levels of society.
Their role in disaster management
activities is to extend assistance and
support to vulnerable sectors.
Who are so-called NOT VULNERABLE SECTORS?
Sector in the society having a high
position in the community.
Most of the time, they are the
targets of the vulnerable and less
vulnerable sectors in the advocacy
work in relating disaster issue to the
structure and policies implemented
by the government that are the root
causes of vulnerability of the
community.
According to the
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE
FOR DISASTER RISK
REDUCTION
(UNDRR),
vulnerabilities in the context of
disasters can be broadly classified into
the following categories:
(1) PHYSICAL VULNERABILITY
Relates to the tangible and
observable characteristics of a
system that increase its
susceptibility to the impacts of a
hazard.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: areas prone to
earthquakes, floods, landslides, and etc.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT: poorly
constructed buildings, inadequate
infrastructure (roads, bridges).
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION:
Deforestation, soil erosion, coastal
erosion.
(2) SOCIAL VULNERABILITY
Concerns the characteristics of a
society, community, or individual
that influence their ability to
cope with, resist, and recover
from the impacts of a disaster.
POVERTY AND INEQUALITY: limited
access to resources, lack of social
safety nets.
SOCIAL EXCLUSION: discrimination
based on gender, ethnicity, disability.
LACK OF ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND
EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS.
HEALTH AND NUTRITION: poor health
status, malnutrition.
(3) ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY
Relates to the economic
conditions that increase the
potential for loss and limit the
capacity to recover from a
disaster.
DEPENDENCE ON A SINGLE ECONOMIC
SECTOR: can lead to widespread job
losses and economic collapse after a
disaster.
HIGH LEVELS OF DEBT: can hinder
recovery efforts.
LIMITED ACCESS TO CREDIT AND
INSURANCE.
(4) ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITY
Concerns the susceptibility of
environmental systems to the
impacts of a hazard.
LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY: reduced
resilience of ecosystems.
CLIMATE CHANGE: increased frequency
and intensity of extreme weather
events.
NATURAL RESOURCE DEPLETION:
overexploitation of resources can
increase vulnerability to disasters.
(5) INSTITUTIONAL VULNERABILITY
Relates to the weaknesses in
governance, legal frameworks,
and institutional capacities that
hinder effective disaster risk
management.
Lack of clear roles and responsibilities
among different agencies.
Weak enforcement of building codes
and regulations.
Corruption and lack of transparency in
disaster relief efforts.
CAPACITY
All the strenghts, attributes and
resources available within a community,
organization, or society that can be
used to achieve agreed goals. These
qualities give space to citizens and
communities to cope with, overcome
the adverse effect of and reduce the
risks of disasters through preparation,
mitigation and recovery
d Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction or UNISDR (
Essentially, it's about how well-prepared a community or
system is to:
(1) ANTICIPATE: predict and assess
potential hazards and their
impacts.
(2) COPE WITH: respond effectively
to a disaster event, including
immediate needs like search
and rescue and providing basic
(3) RESIST: minimize the impacts of
a disaster through measures
like early warning systems, building
codes, and land-use planning.
(4) RECOVER: rebuild and return to
normal as quickly as possible
after a disaster.
KEY ASPECTS OF CAPACITY INCLUDE:
(1) HUMAN RESOURCES: skilled
personnel, trained volunteers,
community leaders.
(2) INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY: Strong
governance systems,
effective coordination among
agencies, clear legal frameworks.
(3) FINANCIAL RESOURCES:
adequate funding for disaster
preparedness, response, and
recovery.
(4) PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE:
robust and resilient
infrastructure (roads, bridges,
communication systems).
(5) SOCIAL CAPITAL: strong social
networks, community
cohesion, trust in institutions.
(6) TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES:
access to information and
communication technologies,
early warning systems.
HOW AND WHEN AN EVENT
BECOMES A DISASTER
able to
disrupt the
functioning
EVENT
and
activities of
the
commmunity
VULNERABL causes
E
INTERACTIO losses and
COMMUNIT
N Y damages
overcome
community’s
capabilities
to cope
Keep in mind!
An event which hits an
uninhabited area, does not qualify
as disaster. It becomes a disaster
only if it hits vulnerable
population and properties – in
short, if there are victims.
MAJOR EFFECTS OF DISASTER
EFFECTS OF DISASTERS
Medical
Effects
traumatic injuries
emotional stress
psychological impact
deaths
epidemic diseases
EFFECTS OF DISASTERS
Damage to critical
facilities
police stations
fire stations
medical facilities
communication installations
electrical generation and transmission facilities
water facilities
government building
EFFECTS OF DISASTERS
Disruption of
Transportation
broken roads and bridges
impassable roads (floods, landslides, sinkholes,
obstruction and etc)
restricted vehicles mobility
damaged airports and seaports
EFFECTS OF DISASTERS
Economic Impact
disrupted business operations
restrained economic activities
damaged sources of resources
disrupted jobs
price increase
loss of animals and crops
loss of asset values
reduction in investment
EFFECTS OF DISASTERS
Environmental
Effects
increase in global temperature
large modification of lands
environmental degradation
EFFECTS OF DISASTERS
Social and Political
Impacts
change in social perception about disasters
change in policies
political disruptions
change in development priorities
economic reforms
NOTE:
A particular disaster’s effect differ in
severity among different
communities. One factor that affect
the gravity of impact is the
community’s capabilities and
coping mechanisms. Poor
communities that do not have
resources and the capacity to cope
are more usually at risk of
experiencing severe disaster effects.
DISASTER RISK
IN THE
PHILIPPINES
Based on the Asian Disaster Reduction Center’s (ADRC)
Naturak Disasters Data Book 2011, covering the period
from 1975 to 2011, the Asian region (countries in East,
South and Southeast) ranked FIRST among regions in
the world in terms of impacts of natural disasters.
Three of the most vulnerable countries are the
following:
PHILIPPINES
INDONESIA
THAILAND
CHINA
In another report on The
Human Cost of Weather-
Related Disasters 1995 – INDIA
2015, the Philippines
ranked FOURTH in terms of
BANGLADESH
the highest absolute
number of affected people.
PHILIPPINES
Based on the World Risk Index Report 2014, the
Philippines placed SECOND out of 171 countries that
were ranked on the basis of their “risk score”, refers to
the country’s exposure to hazards.
Our country is situated along the “TYPHOON BELT” in
the Pacific and in the “PACIFIC RING OF FIRE” are the
two main reasons why Philippines is a high disaster risk
area.
There are three other contributing factors:
People live in low-lying coastal islands in the Philippines,
with more than 60 percent of the population living in
coastal zones.
Forests denuded of trees have fewer roots to hold water
together.
The young, poor population of the Philippines has
increasingly shifted to coastal regions, where rapidly
constructed housing and inadequate evacuation plans.
