DRRR12 Lessons 1 & 2: Concept of Disaster and Disaster Risk

Flashcards covering the overview of disaster concepts, hazard definitions, legislative frameworks, and various types of vulnerability in the Philippines.

Circum-Pacific seismic belt

The region where 80% of the world’s annual earthquakes occur and the cause of several destructive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the Philippines.

Medical effects

A consequence of disasters that includes traumatic injuries, emotional stress, epidemic diseases, and indigenous disease.

Disruption of transportation

The rendering of bridges, roads, and streets impassable by landslides or floods, which makes rescue and emergency operations difficult.

Economic Impact

The curtailing of normal business operations and economic activities resulting from damage to critical facilities and transportation.

Global environmental changes

Changes brought by human activity and disasters, including more severe cyclonic storms, increased flooding/drought, and trends toward desertification.

Disaster

A serious disruption of a community or civilization caused by a Hazard that hasn’t been prevented or mitigated, which exceeds the ability of the affected community to cope with its own resources.

Hazard

A threat itself; a dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition that may cause loss of life, injury, property damage, or environmental damage.

Republic Act No. 10121

The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, which transformed the country's framework from a reactive response system to a proactive approach focused on resilience.

Vulnerability

The degree of loss to a given element at risk.

Physical Vulnerability

Refers to the buildings, infrastructure (transport and utilities), critical facilities, and agriculture affected by site, design, or maintenance.

Social Vulnerability

Focuses on special categories of vulnerable groups, livelihoods, perception of risk, local institutions, and variables like class, occupation, or disability.

Economic Vulnerability

Measures the risk of hazards causing losses to economic assets and processes, focusing on direct loss, indirect loss, and economic damage potential.

Environmental Vulnerability

Also known as ecosystem vulnerability or fragility, defined as the inability of an ecosystem to tolerate stressor over time and space.

Direct Loss potential

An aspect of economic vulnerability regarding the production of goods/services and the cost of repair or replacement of infrastructure.

Indirect Loss potential

An aspect of economic vulnerability regarding the impact on lost production, employment, vital services, and income-earning activities.

Hazardous Materials Facilities

Industrial facilities with high potential for loss, such as dams, fuel reservoirs, and power-generating plants.

Transportation Lifelines

Essential infrastructure including highways, bridges, railway tracks, tunnels, bus facilities, port and harbor facilities, and airports.

Utility Lifelines

Vital services including potable water, wastewater, oil and natural gas, electric power, and communication facilities and distribution lines.

Vulnerable Population Groups

Specific categories including people with disabilities, children, seniors, medication-dependent individuals, women, ethnic minorities, and the homeless.