Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction (Video Notes)

This set covers core concepts (disaster, risk, hazard, vulnerability, exposure), natural vs. man-made disasters, notable events (Yolanda, Ondoy, Wowowee stampede), and disaster impacts (health, food, displacement, emotional effects) as presented in the notes.

What is a disaster?

A serious disruption of the functioning of society, causing widespread human, material, or environmental losses that exceed the affected people’s capacity to cope using their own resources.

What is disaster risk?

The probability that a community or geographic area will be damaged or disrupted by the impact of a hazard, depending on its nature, construction, and proximity to the hazard.

What is vulnerability in the context of disasters?

The characteristics and circumstances of a community, system, or asset that make it susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard.

What is a hazard?

A potential source of harm that can occur at any moment, such as drought, tsunami, or fire.

What is exposure in disaster risk terms?

The presence of people, livelihoods, infrastructure, and resources in places that could be adversely affected by a hazard.

What are natural disasters?

Disasters originating from natural forces such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, and cyclones.

What are man-made disasters?

Disasters caused by human actions, such as transport and industrial accidents, fires, chemical spills, building collapses, and terrorism.

What is the Ring of Fire?

A circular arc around the Pacific Ocean with high tectonic and volcanic activity that can cause volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.

What were the impacts of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013?

Strength about 290 km/h; sudden storm surge; over 7,000 deaths; Tacloban city flattened.

When did Typhoon Ondoy occur and what were its effects?

On September 25, 2009; torrential rains caused floods and flash floods in Metro Manila; thousands of houses submerged; power and water cut off; hundreds of deaths.

What happened in the Wowowee stampede?

A stampede at Philsports Arena in Pasig City caused many injuries and at least 73 deaths, leading to the dissolution of the show.

What are common effects of disasters on populations?

Displaced populations, health risks, food scarcity, and emotional/psychological distress.

What health risks can arise after natural disasters?

Stagnant floodwater can breed waterborne bacteria; mosquitoes can spread malaria and dengue.

Why does food scarcity often follow natural disasters?

Destruction of crops and agricultural inputs, rising prices, and reduced purchasing power, increasing malnutrition risk.

What are emotional aftershocks in disasters?

Trauma, especially in children, leading to PTSD and ongoing psychological distress if untreated.

How has disaster preparedness and response evolved since Yolanda?

Improvements through government, civil society, and humanitarian partners; ongoing innovation in resilience to address climate change and inequality.

What are examples of natural hazard areas?

Coastlines/beaches/islands; riverbanks/-esteros; reclaimed land/valleys; open fields; mountainous areas.

What are examples of human-made hazard areas?

Urban areas/mega-cities; industrial zones/factories; near nuclear power plants; oil depots; areas prone to fires or structural hazards.

What is disaster risk in geographical terms?

The probability of damage to people or property due to a hazard, influenced by the area’s physical structure and proximity to the hazard.

What does the Ring of Fire signify in the notes?

A region around the Pacific Ocean with active volcanoes and tectonic activity linked to earthquakes and tsunamis.

What is the main purpose of DRRR according to the notes?

To explain disaster concepts and reduce risk through preparedness, resilience, and adaptation to climate change and inequality.

Name a key Philippine natural disaster event mentioned besides Yolanda and Ondoy.

Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and Typhoon Ondoy are the examples provided; Yolanda is the 2013 event, Ondoy the 2009 event.