DRR

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the foundational concepts of disaster readiness, including hazard types, risk factors, perspectives on disaster impacts, and resilience strategies.

Disaster

A dangerous situation or threat from natural or man-made events that disrupt the functions of individuals in a community, potentially leading to death, damage to resources, and loss of property.

desastre

The French word from which "disaster" originated, combining "des" (bad) and "astre" (star), signifying a "bad star" or "evil star."

Hazard

A threat to life, environment, or property that can be classified as natural or man-made based on its origin.

Natural Hazards

Hazards caused by abrupt or slow onset of naturally occurring phenomena, which can be biological, geological, hydrological, meteorological, or climatological.

Biological Hazards

Natural hazards including diseases, epidemics, and plagues.

Geological Hazards

Natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.

Hydrological Hazards

Natural hazards including avalanches and floods.

Meteorological Hazards

Natural hazards such as storm surges, cyclones, and tornadoes.

Climatological Hazards

Natural hazards including droughts and wildfires.

Man-made Hazards

Hazards caused by human activities occurring near human settlements, such as pollution, industrial/transport accidents, war, and arson.

Vulnerability

The failure to withstand the impacts of hazards, often caused by limited resources, illnesses, or disabilities within a community.

Mitigation

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

PAGASA

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, which provides information about a typhoon’s speed and location for precautionary measures.

Disaster Risk

Defined by the UNISDR as the combination of the probability of an event and its negative consequences, including hazard severity and vulnerability.

Exposure

Any element such as people, property, or systems present in a hazard zone that is prone to potential loss.

Resilience

The ability of a community or individual to withstand, accommodate, resist, and recover from the impacts of a disaster.

Risk Assessment

An evaluation made to estimate potential economic, infrastructure, and social impacts by gathering information from hazards, exposures, and vulnerabilities.

Physical Perspective (Disaster Risk)

Considerations involving concrete objects and infrastructure, such as the availability of fire exits or the sturdiness of buildings to withstand earthquakes.

Psychological Perspective (Disaster Risk)

Considerations involving the mental state of an individual, such as fear and the ability to respond to a disaster.

Socio-cultural Perspective (Disaster Risk)

Considerations including traditions, religion, social statuses, community folklore, and the presence of systems like the bayanihan system.

Economic Perspective (Disaster Risk)

Variables involving community resources and income sources, such as farming and employment.

Biological Perspective (Disaster Risk)

Factors involving the flora and fauna in the environment, their health, and associated diseases.

Leptospirosis

A common bacterial disease that affects humans during typhoons, often spread through stagnant water.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A serious psychological condition resulting from extreme trauma after experiencing disastrous events, which can lead to long-term emotional distress.

Social Support

A factor that increases human resilience, including emotional support through sharing traumatic experiences and finding comfort from others.

Coping Confidence

The self-efficacy and belief involving values like optimism and hope that one can survive a disaster and reduce future mental distress.

Proactive Approach

A method of emergency preparedness that involves using tools like weather satellites for prediction and conducting information dissemination and evacuation before a hazard strikes.

Prediction

A statement of the probability of hazards to occur based on evidence or observations such as precursor events or physical changes.

Warning

A signal indicating a high probability of a hazard's occurrence, alerting the community to take proper measures.

Arable Soil

The nutrient-rich layer of soil needed for planting trees to prevent landslides, which can be lost due to erosion after a disaster.

Capacity

The combination of all features in a community used to manage and reduce disaster risks and strengthen resilience; also known as capability.

Rehabilitation

Post-disaster activities aimed at restoring the normal functioning of a community.