Week-1-DRRR

Basic Concepts

  • Disaster: A sudden, calamitous occurrence causing great harm, injury, destruction, and devastation to life and property.

  • Disaster Risk: The potential disaster losses in lives, health status, livelihoods, assets, and services due to hazards and vulnerabilities within a community.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the meaning of disaster.

  • Identify different kinds of disasters common in the Philippines.

  • Describe the effects of natural and man-made disasters on people and property.

Types of Disasters

Natural Disasters

  • Definition: Extreme events caused by environmental factors leading to significant damage.

  • Examples: Typhoons, earthquakes, floods, droughts, wildfires.

  • Classification:

    • Rapid Onset Disasters: Sudden events causing immediate adverse effects.

      • Examples: Typhoon, flood, landslide, earthquake, volcanic eruption.

    • Slow Onset Disasters: Gradual events related to environmental degradation.

      • Examples: Sea level rise, drought.

Man-Made Disasters

  • Definition: Disasters caused by human actions, either intentional or unintentional.

  • Classification:

    • Technological/Industrial Disasters: Involves hazardous materials that can affect the population and environment.

      • Examples: Toxic leaks, accidental explosions, vehicle collisions.

    • Terrorism/Violence: Includes events like bomb explosions and mass shootings.

    • Complex Humanitarian Emergencies: Situations affecting entire communities, often involving food insecurity and armed conflicts.

Effects of Disasters

  • Human Effects:

    • Displaced populations due to destruction of homes.

    • Health risks, including disease outbreaks.

    • Food scarcity resulting from disaster damage.

    • Emotional aftershocks such as PTSD following traumatic events.

Disaster Preparedness

  • Steps to prepare for disasters:

    1. Identify and assess hazards in the home.

    2. Establish safe places indoors and outdoors.

    3. Educate family members about disaster preparedness.

    4. Prepare disaster kits and supplies.

    5. Develop an emergency communication plan.

    6. Engage with the community for preparedness activities.

    7. Practice the Disaster Preparedness Cycle (Plan, Train, Organize, Evaluate, Exercise).

Activities & Discussions

  • Activity 1: Answer short questions about personal experiences with disasters.

  • Activity 2: Identify images as either natural or man-made disasters.

  • Reflective Questions: Consider preparedness for potential disasters and their impacts on your community.