Understanding Issues in Human Environment - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on disasters, hazards, and the role of government agencies.

Disaster

A sudden calamitous event that disrupts a community or society and causes losses that exceed its ability to cope using its own resources (IFRC, 2017).

Hazard

A process, phenomenon, or human activity that may cause loss of life, injury or health impacts, property damage, or social and economic disruptions (UNISDR, 2009).

Natural Hazards

Hazards caused by nature or physical changes in the environment (e.g., earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, floods).

Human Hazards

Hazards caused by individuals and take place in human settlements (e.g., electricity outages, nuclear weapons, hazardous materials).

Earthquake

A natural hazard involving sudden ground shaking due to movement of tectonic plates; Philippines lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire; PHIVOLCS notes numerous magnitude 6.0+ events since the 1600s.

Luzon Earthquake (1990)

Magnitude 7.9; death toll 2,412.

Negros Island Region Earthquake (2012)

Magnitude 6.9; death toll 60.

Moro Gulf Tsunami (1976)

On August 17, 1976, a magnitude 8.1 earthquake generated a 14-foot tsunami, resulting in about 8,000 deaths.

Tsunami

A large sea wave caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions; the Philippines rarely experiences tsunamis (Moro Gulf 1976 is a notable example).

Flooding

Overflowing of water into land areas; the Philippines’ geography and monsoons contribute to flooding; types are determined by location and duration.

Factors that affect Flooding

Heavy and continuous rain; high tide/river systems/dams; urbanization.

PAG-ASA Flood Warning Yellow

7.5–15 mm of rain observed per hour; flooding is possible; Response: monitor weather conditions.

PAG-ASA Flood Warning Orange

15–30 mm of rain observed per hour; flooding is threatening; Response: alert for possible evacuation.

PAG-ASA Flood Warning Red

More than 30 mm of rain observed per hour; serious flooding in low-lying areas; Response: evacuation.

Typhoon

A type of tropical cyclone characterized by strong winds, heavy rains, and a rotating storm system.

Tropical Cyclone

An intense low-pressure system with minimum sustained winds of 35 kph; develops in tropical/subtropical waters; classifications range from Tropical Depression to Super Typhoon.

Tropical Depression

Tropical cyclone with max sustained winds up to 61 kph.

Tropical Storm

Tropical cyclone with max sustained winds 62–88 kph.

Severe Tropical Storm

Tropical cyclone with max sustained winds 89–117 kph.

Typhoon (wind category)

Tropical cyclone with max sustained winds 118–184 kph.

Super Typhoon

Tropical cyclone with max sustained winds exceeding 185 kph.

Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS)

Official warning to inform people about wind strength and expected rainfall during storms.

Volcanic Eruption

An eruption of magma from a volcano; the Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making eruptions common.

Mt. Kanlaon Eruption (May 2025)

An example of a volcanic eruption involving Kanlaon volcano noted in the lecture notes.

Pacific Ring of Fire

A major zone around the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur; explains high activity in the Philippines.

RA 10121 (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010)

Law transforming the Philippines’ disaster management system toward disaster risk reduction (DRR).

NDRRMC

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council; coordinates prevention and anticipation of disaster effects.

DOST

Department of Science and Technology; develops and maintains end-to-end monitoring, forecasting, and early warning systems.

DILG

Department of the Interior and Local Government; strengthens partnerships and coordination for disaster preparedness.

DSWD

Department of Social Welfare and Development; leads disaster response operations and addresses temporary shelter and recovery needs.

NEDA

National Economic and Development Authority; assesses damages, losses, and needs to support rehabilitation and economic activity.

Evacuation Plan

Safest route to evacuate during a calamity.

First-aid Kit

A kit containing basic first-aid supplies for emergency care.