Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction - Flashcards

A set of Q&A flashcards covering key concepts from the disaster readiness and risk reduction lecture notes.

What is the etymology of the term 'disaster' and what do the roots mean?

The term disaster comes from the French word desastre; 'des' means bad and 'astre' means star.

How is disaster defined in the notes?

A serious and tragic event that causes loss of lives, human suffering, and great damages to property and the environment.

What is disaster risk according to the United Nations ISDR?

The potential loss of lives, health status, livelihoods, and various assets, which is often challenging to quantify.

What are the two types of disaster risk mentioned?

Acceptable (tolerable) risk and residual risk.

What is acceptable risk in disaster context?

The extent to which a disaster risk is deemed acceptable or tolerable based on social, economic, political, cultural, technical, and environmental conditions.

What is residual risk?

Disaster risk that remains even when effective disaster risk reduction measures are in place, requiring ongoing emergency response and recovery capacities.

How are natural hazards defined?

Environmental phenomena that have the potential to impact societies and the human environment, distinct from man-made hazards.

List the types of natural hazards.

Biological hazard, Geological hazard, Hydrometeorological hazard, Human-induced hazard.

What is a biological hazard?

Originates from an organic source and involves exposure to toxic substances or microorganisms that cause sickness.

What is a geological hazard?

Events originating in solid ground that cause mortality, damage, and broad societal impacts.

What is a hydrometeorological hazard?

Phenomena of atmospheric, hydrological, or oceanographic nature causing loss of life, injuries, property damage, and social/economic disruption.

Which hydrometeorological hazards are noted as highly impactful by UNESCO?

Floods, hurricanes/cyclones/typhoons, and droughts.

What is a human-induced hazard?

Hazards arising from technological or industrial conditions, including infrastructure failures and activities like transport accidents or chemical spills.

What is exposure in disaster terms?

People and properties affected by hazards; measured by the number of people or assets, with location being a crucial factor.

What is sensitivity?

The degree to which a community can be affected by hazards; e.g., rain-fed agriculture vs. mining-based income.

What is adaptive capacity?

The ability of individuals or communities to withstand and adapt to environmental changes, depending on access to natural, human, social, physical, and financial resources.

What is vulnerability?

How disasters affect different groups based on social differences and the context in which they operate.

What are the core components of disaster risk concepts mentioned?

Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity, and Vulnerability (with Risk as a related concept).

What are the possible categories of disaster impacts?

Direct, indirect, and intangible losses.

What social impacts are highlighted in the notes?

Housing, health, education, transportation, and political stability, all intertwined with disaster effects.

What housing-related impact do disasters cause?

Destruction of homes leading to homelessness and long-term societal effects.

What is the health-related impact of disasters?

Vulnerability of healthcare infrastructure; damaged hospitals cannot accommodate affected people.

What is the education-related impact of disasters?

Disruption of educational services with long-term effects on students and teachers.

What economic impact is noted regarding vulnerability to hazards?

The basic structure of the economy influences the degree of vulnerability to hazards.

What is the environmental impact of disasters?

Environmental degradation and ecological imbalance, including uprooted trees and potential forest fires.