Hazards and Disasters-Risk Assessment and Response

Duration

The length of time that a hazard lasts.

Magnitude

The strength of a hazard, measured on a scale.

Predictability

The ease of predicting a hazard.

Regularity

The frequency and quick succession of hazards.

Frequency

The return interval of hazards of certain sizes.

Speed of onset

The speed at which the peak of the hazard arrives.

Spatial concentration

The location or centering of hazards.

Areal extent

The coverage of a hazard over a large area.

Number of hazards

The impact of multiple hazards hitting a location.

Depth

The depth of an earthquake, affecting its damage potential.

Time of Day

The time of day when an earthquake occurs.

Epicentre Location

The location of the epicenter of an earthquake.

Geology

The type of geological formation where an earthquake occurs.

Economic Development

The level of development affecting earthquake impacts.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

A scale used to measure hurricanes based on wind speed and storm surge.

Landfall Location

The location where a hurricane makes landfall.

Development of the country

The level of development affecting hurricane impacts.

Warning and preparedness

The level of warning and preparedness affecting hurricane impacts.

Existing conditions

The conditions of the ground before a hurricane.

Meteorological drought

Drought caused by multiple meteorological factors.

Prediction of drought

The ability to forecast precipitation and temperature.

Climate variability

The variability of climate affecting drought prediction.

Risk perception

Factors influencing how individuals perceive risk.

Voluntary risk

The voluntary nature of the risk affecting perception.

Time scale

The immediate impacts of a hazard versus long-term impacts.

Psychological perception

Intense fear response influencing risk perception.

Understanding/Knowledge

Limited understanding affecting risk perception.

Media influence

Media coverage affecting risk perception.

Criteria for disaster entry

Criteria for a disaster to be entered into the UN's ISDR database.

Preparation

Educating and preparing populations for disasters.

Prediction

Forecasting when and where a hazard will occur.

Prevention

Methods to prevent or reduce the impacts of hazards.

Reducing Vulnerability

Measures to reduce vulnerability to hazards.

Aid

Assistance provided before or after a hazard strikes.

Insurance

Protecting against the risk of a hazard through insurance.

Hazard Mapping

Creating maps to calculate vulnerability to hazards.

Short-term response

Immediate response after a disaster.

Mid-term response

Response in the weeks and months following a disaster.

Long-term response

Response that continues for months and years after a disaster.