Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction (DRRR) Fundamentals

Comprehensive vocabulary list based on the Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction lecture, covering core terminologies, formulas, and disaster risk drivers.

Hazard

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.

Disaster

The serious disruption of the functioning of society, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses, which exceed the ability of the affected people to cope using their own resources.

Accident

An unexpected event with negative consequences occurring without the intention of the one suffering the consequences.

Exposure

People, property, systems, or other elements present in hazard zones that are thereby subject to potential losses.

Risk

The combination of the probability of an event and its negative consequences.

Vulnerability

A set of prevailing or consequential conditions arising from various factors which increase the susceptibility of a community to the impact of hazards.

Capacity

The combination of all the strengths, attributes and resources available within a community, society or organization that can be used to achieve agreed goals.

Resilience

The ability to “spring back from” a shock, determined by the degree to which a community has necessary resources and is capable of organizing itself both prior to and during times of need (UNISDR, 2009).

Disaster Risk

The potential disaster losses, in lives, health status, livelihoods, assets and services, which could occur to a particular community or a society over some specified future time period.

Disaster Risk Formula

$$\text{Disaster Risk} = \frac{\text{Hazard} \times \text{Exposure} \times \text{Vulnerability}}{\text{Capacity to cope}}$$

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

The concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters, including reduced exposure, lessened vulnerability, and improved preparedness.

Coping Capacity

The ability of people, organizations and systems, using available skills and resources, to face and manage adverse conditions such as hazards, emergencies or disasters.

Disaster Risk Management (DRM)

The systematic process of using administrative directives and operational skills to implement strategies and policies to lessen the adverse impacts of hazards and the possibility of disaster; it is defined as DRR in ACTION.

Natural Hazards and Disasters

Results and outcomes of naturally occurring processes that occurred throughout Earth's history, such as floods, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes.

Anthropogenic Hazards

Also known as man-made or human-induced hazards, these occur as a result of human actions and interactions, such as chemical threats, cyber-attacks, or bioweapons.

Disaster Risk Drivers

Factors that promote or increase the risk of a disaster, including climate change, poverty, socio-economic inequality, and weak governance.

Preparedness

A phase of Disaster Risk Management focused on preparing for managing the crisis.

Prevention

A phase of Disaster Risk Management focused on minimizing the impacts of future disasters.

Response

A phase of Disaster Risk Management focused on saving lives and minimizing immediate impacts during a crisis.

Recovery

A phase of Disaster Risk Management focused on restoring activities and services after a disaster.