DRR | LESSON 1

HAZARD

A phenomenon or situation that has the potential to cause disruption or damage to people, their property, their services, and their environment. There is a potential for occurrence of an event.

DISASTER

A serious disruption of the functioning of society, causing widespread human, material, or environmental losses that exceed the ability of affected people to cope using their own resources. It may be man-made or natural, sudden or progressive, and causes large-scale losses.

VULNERABILITY

A condition or set of conditions that reduces people's ability to prepare for, withstand, or respond to a hazard.

CAPACITY

Positive conditions or abilities that increase a community's ability to deal with hazards.

RISK

The probability that a community's structure or geographic area will be damaged or disrupted by the impact of a particular hazard, depending on their nature, construction, and proximity to a hazardous area.

ELEMENTS AT RISK

Exposed elements such as persons, buildings, crops, and other societal components that are likely to be adversely affected by the impact of a hazard.

RESPONSE

Actions taken immediately following the impact of a disaster when exceptional measures are required to meet the basic needs of the survivors.

RELIEF

Measures needed for search and rescue of survivors, and to meet basic needs for shelter, water, food, and healthcare.

RECOVERY

The process undertaken by a disaster-affected community to fully restore itself to pre-disaster levels of functioning.

REHABILITATION

Actions taken after a disaster to assist victims in repairing their dwellings, re-establish essential services, and revive key economic and social activities.

RECONSTRUCTION

Permanent measures to repair or replace damaged dwellings and infrastructure and to restore economic activity.

DEVELOPMENT

Sustained efforts intended to improve or maintain the social and economic well-being of a community.

PREVENTION

Measures taken to avert a disaster from occurring, if possible, by impeding a hazard so that it causes no harmful effects.

MITIGATION

Measures taken prior to the impact of a disaster to minimize its effects, including both structural and non-structural measures.

PREPAREDNESS

Measures taken in anticipation of a disaster to ensure appropriate and effective actions when the disaster occurs.

DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT

A proactive approach focusing on prevention, mitigation, and preparedness to prevent, reduce, transfer, or live with disaster risk. It promotes public safety, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.