DISASTER AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Disasters are severe interruptions to a community’s functioning that surpass its ability to cope using its own resources. Natural, man-made, and technical risks, as well as many elements that influence a community’s exposure and vulnerability, can all produce disasters.

 

About Disaster

The possibility of loss of life, injury or destruction, and damage from a disaster in a specific time period is stated as disaster risk.

Disasters can be caused by a variety of dangers (see below for examples) and can have severe consequences for individuals and communities.

Climate change, displacement, conflict, rapid and unplanned urbanization, technological hazards, and public health emergencies are all projected to increase the frequency, complexity, and severity of their consequences in the future.

Disaster Risk Reduction for Health

Major Type of Disaster

1. Typhoon

A typhoon is a massive storm system with a circular or spiral structure of severe winds that can span hundreds of kilometers or miles. The winds are spiraling around a low-pressure area.

Preparedness and Survival Tips

Typhoon disaster planning is critical because being prepared for unpredictable yet unavoidable storms can lessen the likelihood of loss, worry, and even anxiety. When the unavoidable occurs, you will be able to handle the circumstance effectively since you planned for it! Typhoon preparedness is critical in the Philippines because typhoons occur every year. Take the time to learn more about typhoon preparedness and awareness!

2. Earthquake

What is an Earthquake?

An earthquake occurs when two slabs of earth abruptly slip past one other. The fault or fault plane is the surface where they slip. The hypocenter is the point beneath the earth’s surface where the earthquake begins, while the epicenter is the location directly above it on the earth’s surface.

Things To Do

If an earthquake occurs, you and your family may need to flee a damaged region. You will be better prepared to respond correctly and effectively to indicators of danger or directives from civil authorities if you plan for and practice evacuation.

3. Flood

What is Flood?

Flooding is the overflow of water onto typically dry ground. Floods can occur as a result of strong rains, ocean waves, rapid melting of snow, or the failure of dams or levees. Flooding can be devastating with only a few inches of water or it can cover a house up to the roof.

Safety Tips

Some floods grow slowly, while others develop rapidly. Being prepared and taking mitigation steps, such as building away from floodplains and elevating homes, can help to lessen the risk of flood damage and injuries.

4. Climate Change

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is often characterized as a major alteration in average weather conditions over several decades or more, such as circumstances becoming warmer, wetter, or drier. Climate change is distinguished from natural weather fluctuation by its longer-term tendency.

Cause and Effect

This new world we’re creating by rising the temperature is already producing a slew of issues, particularly for the world’s poorest and most vulnerable individuals. We add a bit more carbon to the atmosphere every time we burn part of that fossil fuel. And since the molecular structure of carbon stores heat, the world continues to warm.

Ways to Stop Climate Change

“BECAUSE WE ARE ALL AFFECTED, NO MATTER WHERE IN THE WORLD WE LIVE” – Climate change will touch all of us, not just forests, coral reefs, or people in distant nations. People everywhere will feel the effects of increased extreme weather, rising food prices, diminished recreational opportunities, and decreased appreciation for the natural world. Lowering our carbon footprint is crucial to creating a future where people and nature can coexist.

5. Chemical Pollution

What is Chemical Pollution?

Chemical pollution is the poisoning of our environment with compounds that are not naturally there. Chemicals are present in everything, including the food we consume, the air we breathe, and the items we use. Most chemicals are man-made and can serve a variety of purposes. As a result, they are widely used, from agriculture and industrial activities to the production of medicine and domestic goods. Chemicals can seep into the environment during manufacturing, storage, transportation, and disposal.

Pollution Prevention

Changing a manufacturing process to produce less waste. Employing non-toxic or less hazardous cleaning, degreasing, and other maintenance chemicals. Water and energy conservation measures are being implemented. Reusing items such as drums and pallets instead of throwing them away.