DISASTER

DISASTER

Disaster

• Origin of the term "DISASTER"

  • Derived from the French word "Disastre"

  • "Des" means "Bad" and "Aster" means "Star"

  • Refers to "Bad or Evil Star"

  • Earlier belief: disasters were linked to unfavorable stars

• Definition of DISASTER

  • Extreme event causing loss of life and property

  • Poses serious threat to normal life and development

  • Results in disruption in community or society

  • Causes widespread material, economic, social, or environmental losses

• Characteristics of DISASTER

  • Serious disruption in society

  • Results in human, material, or environmental losses

  • Exceeds society's ability to cope with its resources

  • Combination of hazard, vulnerability, and insufficient capacity

  • Occurs when hazard impacts vulnerable population

Vulnerability

• Definition of Vulnerability

  • Characteristics making a person susceptible to hazard effects

  • Examples: Age, gender, disability

Factors

• Factors Leading to DISASTER

  • Any hazard (flood, earthquake, cyclone) with greater vulnerability leads to disaster

  • Vulnerability factors: inadequate resources, sick and old people, lack of awareness

  • Example: Earthquake in uninhabited desert