Lesson-1. Basic Concept of Disaster and Disaster Risk

Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction in the Philippines

  • Focus on building resilience for a sustainable future.

  • Related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health), 9 (Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities), and 13 (Climate Action).

Lesson 1: Basic Concept of Disaster and Disaster Risk

  • Instructor: Ms. Maria Bella E. Rebusora, LPT, M.Ed

Learning Objectives

  • Define "disaster" within the unique Philippine context.

  • Identify and differentiate key risk factors leading to disasters in the Philippines: hazard, exposure, vulnerability.

  • Analyze effects of disasters on Filipinos' lives and livelihoods.

Understanding Disaster Risk in the Philippines

  • One of the highest-risk countries for natural disasters globally.

  • Geologic and geographic vulnerabilities include:

    • Volcanic eruptions

    • Mudslides

    • Earthquakes

    • Floods

    • Typhoons (average of 20 per year).

  • Location in the Pacific Ring of Fire leads to frequent earthquakes (approx. 20 daily).

  • Influenced by two monsoon patterns:

    • Southwest monsoon (Habagat): May - October.

    • Northeast monsoon (Amihan): November - February.

What is a Disaster?

  • Defined as a serious disruption of community or society functioning due to hazardous events.

  • Results in human, material, economic, and environmental losses.

  • WHO definition: occurrences causing significant damage and necessitating external assistance.

Disaster in the Philippine Context

  • Involves extensive losses exceeding community capabilities to cope.

  • Affects progress toward SDGs: 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health), 9 (Infrastructure), and 11 (Sustainable Cities).

Types of Disaster

  • Natural Disasters: earthquakes, floods, landslides.

  • Man-made Disasters: include war, bomb blasts, chemical leaks.

  • Impact varies between types in terms of damage and medical consequences.

What are Disaster Risks?

  • Potential losses (lives, health, livelihoods) that can occur within a specified time frame.

Components of Disaster Risk in the Philippines

  • Hazard: Typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides.

  • Exposure: Population density in vulnerable areas, critical infrastructure in high-risk zones.

  • Vulnerability: Poverty, lack of early warning systems, inadequate housing, weak governance.

Disaster Risks Equation

  • Formula: Disaster Risk = Hazard x Exposure x Vulnerability.

  • Higher values of each component increase overall risk.

  • Reducing any component decreases the total risk.

  • Aligns with SDGs: 1 (No Poverty), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 13 (Climate Action).

Characteristics of Disasters

  • Often unexpected or minimal warning.

  • Require immediate intervention from governments, NGOs, and communities.

  • Disrupt essential services (healthcare, education, transportation) impacting SDGs: 3, 4, and 9.

  • Exacerbate inequalities, impacting SDG 10.

  • Require collaborative responses transcending political boundaries (SDG 17).

Impacts of Disasters

  • Human Impact: Loss of life and injuries (SDG 3).

  • Damage: Homes and infrastructure (SDGs 9, 11).

  • Economic: Disruption of livelihoods and economic losses (SDGs 1, 8).

  • Food and Water Security: Contamination and insecurity (SDGs 2, 6).

  • Social Displacement: Leading to disruptions in communities (SDGs 10, 11).

  • Environmental Damage: Affecting biodiversity and ecosystems (SDGs 13, 15).

Disaster Case Studies in the Philippines

  • Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda): Landfall on Nov. 8, 2013; Category 5 storm leading to major destruction in Tacloban City.

  • Central Visayas Earthquake: Magnitude 7.2 quake on Oct. 15, 2013; significant casualties and structural damage.

  • Taal Volcano Eruption: Resulted in significant agricultural losses (animals and crops valued at over P3 billion).

Questions for Reflection

  • When and where does a disaster occur?

  • When does a natural event become a hazard?

  • When does a hazard become a disaster?

Investing in Resilience

  • Essential to construct earthquake-proof schools and buildings.

  • Aligns with SDGs: 4 (Quality Education), 9 (Infrastructure), and 11 (Sustainable Cities).

Activities for Engagement

  • Model structure: Create a design that withstands simulated earthquakes.

  • Case study analysis: Explore the specifics of the 2013 Bohol earthquake.

Creative Expression

  • Haiku example and creativity related to nature and experiences.