DISASTER READINESS AND RISK REDUCTION

What is a disaster?

A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society due to hazardous events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability, and capacity.

What is disaster risk?

The potential loss of life, injury, or property damage that could occur in a specific period due to hazards.

What determines vulnerability?

Conditions determined by physical, social, economic, and environmental factors that increase susceptibility to hazards.

What is a hazard?

A dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity, or condition that can cause loss of life and property damage.

What is exposure in disaster context?

The people, property, or elements present in hazard zones that are subject to potential losses.

What characterizes a natural disaster?

Tragedies caused by natural forces, such as earthquakes and floods, without human intervention.

What is a manmade disaster?

Catastrophes resulting from human activity or technological failures, such as industrial explosions.

What are the effects of a displaced population?

Groups forced to leave their homes due to effects of a disaster.

What are health risks associated with disasters?

Potential for disease outbreaks, injuries, and health deterioration due to lack of clean water and disrupted services.

What is food scarcity?

The shortage or lack of access to adequate food supplies due to destruction from a disaster.

What are emotional aftershocks?

Psychological trauma and stress experienced by survivors after a disaster.

What is risk?

The possibility of something bad happening, particularly negative consequences of an activity.

What is ground shaking?

The disruptive up and down and sideways motion experienced during an earthquake.

What causes liquefaction during an earthquake?

Water-soaked soil turning into a thick, soupy liquid due to shaking.

What triggers a tsunami?

Underwater earthquakes or those near coastlines can generate large ocean waves.

What are signs of an impending tsunami?

Behavior changes in animals, draw backs of water, and sounds similar to an incoming train.

What are the physical hazards?

Factors within the environment such as earthquakes, floods, and extreme temperatures.

What is a cultural hazard?

A social hazard resulting from location, socioeconomic status, and behavioral choices.

What is an economic hazard?

Severe negative economic impacts resulting from major natural disasters.

What is an environmental hazard?

Events that can threaten the surrounding natural environment and affect people's health.