Topic 1: Disaster Risk Management

Natural Disasters

Severe disruptions to communities caused by hazardous events, leading to human, material, economic, and environmental losses.

Vulnerability

Conditions that increase susceptibility to hazards, often linked to socio-economic factors.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

Efforts aimed at minimizing exposure to hazards and promoting sustainable development.

Disaster Risk Management (DRM)

A systematic approach to managing uncertainties and potential losses from disasters.

Traditional Approach to DRM

Focuses on post-disaster recovery, including relief, recovery, and reconstruction.

Current Approach to DRM

Emphasizes proactive DRR through risk assessments and early warning systems.

UNDRR

The United Nations' International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, promoting resilience and sustainable development.

Kofi Annan's Insight

Human behavior can turn natural hazards into "unnatural disasters" due to factors like poverty and urbanization.

Sendai Framework

A global initiative aimed at reducing disaster risk and losses from 2015 to 2030.

Disaster Risk

The potential for loss of life or damage to assets based on hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and community capacity.

Hazards

Natural or human-made events that can cause harm, such as floods or earthquakes.

Capacity

Resources and abilities that help communities cope with hazards.

Mitigation

Actions taken to lessen the adverse impacts of hazardous events.

Preparedness

Knowledge and capacities developed to effectively respond to and recover from disasters.

Risk Assessment

Analyzing potential hazards and vulnerabilities to estimate disaster risk.

Risk Assessment Formula

Risk = Hazards × Vulnerability.

Types of Hazards

Natural and human-induced events that can cause adverse impacts.

Hydrometeorological Hazards

Atmospheric phenomena like floods and storms.

Geological Hazards

Natural earth processes such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Technological Hazards

Resulting from industrial activities and failures, like chemical spills.

Environmental Hazards

Created by environmental degradation and pollution.

Disaster Risk Management Cycle

A continuous process aimed at improving community safety and resilience.

Intervention Packages

Coordinated measures developed to enhance the effectiveness of disaster risk management.

Community Resilience

The ability of communities to withstand and recover from disasters.

Legislative Context

Laws and policies that guide disaster management efforts, such as South Africa’s Disaster Management Act.