DRRR Unit 1.1 to 1.6 - Glossary

Capacity

The combination of all features of the community that can be used to manage and reduce disaster risks, and strengthen resilience. Capability is another way to describe a community's capacity.

Disaster

A dangerous situation or threat from natural or man-made events that disrupts the function of a community.

Disaster Risk

The probability of the damages and losses brought about by disasters in a specific time period.

Emergency

Sudden occurrence of dangerous situation that needs immediate response.

Exposure

Any element (people, property, or system) that is present in a hazard and is prone to potential loss.

Hazard

A threat to life, environment, or property. It can be classified based on its origin whether it is natural or man-made.

Mitigation

The act of preventing or minimizing the effects of disaster-causing events by introducing precautionary measures before a disaster strikes a community.

Preparedness

Pre-disaster activities that aim to reduce disaster risks and increase resilience

Rehabilitation

Post-disaster activities that aim to restore the normal functioning of the community.

Resilience

The ability of a community to resist, accommodate, and recover from a disaster.

Vulnerability

The failure to withstand the impacts of hazards.

Epidemic

This is a disease affecting an entire community.

Evacuation

This is the act of leaving one's property to a safer place due to disaster.

Malaria

A parasitic infection brought about by mosquitoes.

Population

The number of individuals in a given area.

PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

is a mental condition caused by a traumatic experience after a tragic event, e.g. disaster.

Resilience

This is the ability of individuals to recover from the impacts of disaster.

Prediction

This is a statement of probability of a hazard to occur based on evidence or observation.

Warning

This is a signal given because of the high probability of occurrence of a hazard