Lesson:1
DISASTER AND RISK FACTORS UNDERLYING
DISASTERS
DISASTER
A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event
that causes significant disruption,
destruction, and often leads to human
suffering and loss of life, property, and
livelihoods. Disasters can result from
natural processes, such as earthquakes,
floods, hurricanes, or wildfires, or they
can be human-made, including industrial
accidents, terrorist attacks, or conflicts.
What characterizes a disaster is its
capacity to overwhelm the affected
community or region's ability to cope
with its impact using available resources,
necessitating external assistance and
intervention.
RISK FACTORS UNDERLYING DISASTERS:
 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
This includes natural phenomena like
earthquakes, floods, hurricanes,
tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanic
eruptions, and wildfires. These
events are influenced by geological
conditions, climate patterns, and
ecosystem dynamics.
 TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS
Human-made hazards arise from
technological failures or accidents,
including industrial accidents,
transportation incidents, chemical
spills, nuclear accidents,
infrastructure failures, and cyber-
attacks.
 SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
Socio-economic vulnerabilities, such
as poverty, inequality, inadequate
infrastructure, rapid urbanization,
population growth in hazard-prone
areas, and limited access to
education and healthcare, can
exacerbate the impact of disasters.
 POLITICAL AND GOVERNANCE
FACTORS
Governance failures, corruption, weak
institutions, lack of effective policies and
regulations, political instability,
conflicts, and inadequate disaster
management frameworks can contribute
to increased disaster risk and hinder
effective disaster response and recovery
efforts.
 CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate-related hazards, including
extreme weather events, rising sea
levels, melting glaciers, and changes
in precipitation patterns, are
intensifying due to climate change,
amplifying the risk of disasters.
 HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND
DECISION MAKING
Human actions, such as land-use
practices, deforestation, improper
waste management, unsustainable
agricultural practices, and disregard
for safety regulations, can increase
vulnerability to disasters and
influence the severity of their impact.
Lesson:2
UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS AND
PERSPECTIVE OF DISASTERS
WHAT IS DISASTER?
 A disaster is defined as a
sudden, catastrophic event
that causes significant
disruption, destruction, and
distress to individuals,
communities, and
environments.
 Disasters can take various
forms, including natural
disasters like earthquakes,
hurricanes, floods, and
wildfires, as well as human-
made disasters such as
industrial accidents,
terrorism, and conflicts.
These events often result in
widespread damage to
infrastructure, loss of life,
displacement of populations,
and economic hardship.
EFFECTS OF DISASTERS- Disasters have
profound effects on both individuals and
communities, spanning various dimensions
of life.
EFFECTS ON INDIVIDUALS:
 Emotional trauma
 Physical injuries
 Loss of loved ones
 Post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD):
EFFECTS ON COMMUNITIES:
 Disruption of Infrastructure
 Displacement of Populations
 Economic downturn
 Strain on healthcare systems and
resources
PHYSIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF
DISASTERS- Understanding the
physiological impact of disasters is
essential for providing timely medical
care, managing stress-related health
issues, and promoting resilience in
affected populations.
1. Impact on Physical Health and Well-
being
 Disasters can result in
injuries ranging from
minor cuts and bruises to
severe trauma and life-
threatening conditions.
2. Stress Response and Its effects on
the body
 The stress of experiencing
a disaster triggers
physiological responses
such as increased heart
rate, elevated blood
pressure, and release of
stress hormones like
cortisol.
3. Long-term Health Consequences
 Survivors of disasters
may experience long-term
health effects, including
respiratory problems from
exposure to smoke and
pollutants, mental health
disorders such as
depression and anxiety,
and chronic conditions
exacerbated by stress and
trauma.
SOCIO-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE OF
DISASTERS- Understanding the socio-
cultural dimensions of disasters is essential
for promoting community cohesion,
preserving cultural heritage, and fostering
resilience in the face of adversity
1. Influence On Cultural Norms and
Values:
 Disasters can challenge
and reshape cultural
norms and values within
communities.
 Cultural heritage sites and
practices may be
threatened or lost,
impacting the identity and
cohesion of affected
communities.
2. Changes In Social Dynamics and
Relationships:
 Disasters often lead to
shifts in social dynamics
and relationships within
communities.
 Solidarity and
cooperation may emerge
as people come together
to support one another
during challenging
times.
3. Community Resilience and
Adaptation:
 Adaptive strategies,
such as disaster
preparedness training,
early warning systems,
and community-based
recovery initiatives, help
communities mitigate
the impacts of future
disasters.
ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE OF DISASTERS-
Understanding the economic impact of
disasters is essential for effective resource
allocation, policy formulation, and long-
term economic recovery planning.
1. Economic Losses and Recovery
Efforts
 Disasters result in
significant economic
losses, including
damage to
 infrastructure, property,
and productive assets.
2. Disruption to Business and
Employment
 Small businesses are
particularly vulnerable
to the impacts of
disasters, facing
disruptions in
operations, loss of
revenue, and potential
closure.
3. Fiscal Implications for Governments
and Aid Organizations
 Governments bear
significant financial
burdens in responding to
and recovering from
disasters, including
funding emergency
response efforts,
rebuilding infrastructure,
and providing social
services.
POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE OF DISASTERS-
Understanding the political dynamics of
disasters is essential for promoting effective
governance, enhancing accountability, and
addressing systemic vulnerabilities within
society.
1. Government Response and
Preparedness
 Disasters test the
effectiveness of
government emergency
response systems and
highlight the importance
of preparedness
measures.
2. Policy Implications and Decision-
Making Processes
 Disasters often prompt
policymakers to
reevaluate existing
policies and regulations
related to disaster
preparedness, response,
and recovery.
3. Social Justice and Equity
Considerations
 Disasters
disproportionately affect
vulnerable and
marginalized
populations,
exacerbating pre-
existing social
inequalities and
disparities.
 Access to resources,
assistance, and support
services may be
unevenly distributed,
highlighting issues of
social justice and equity.
BIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OF DISASTERS-
Understanding the biological dimensions of
disasters is essential for protecting ecosystems,
safeguarding public health, and promoting
sustainable development in disaster-prone
regions.
1. Impact on Ecosystems and Biodiversity
 Disasters disrupt
ecosystems and threaten
biodiversity through
habitat destruction,
pollution, and loss of
species.
2. Spread of Diseases and Public Health
concerns
 Disasters create conditions
conducive to the spread of
infectious diseases,
including waterborne,
vector-borne, and
respiratory illnesses.
3. Environmental Degradation and
Recovery
 Disasters result in
environmental degradation
through pollution,
deforestation, soil erosion,
and contamination of land,
air, and water resources.
 Restoration and recovery
efforts aim to mitigate
environmental damage,
restore ecosystems, and
promote
sustainableresource
management practices.
Lesson:3
VULNERABILITY-Vulnerability refers to the
susceptibility or exposure of individuals,
communities, or systems to the potential harm or
negative impacts of various hazards, risks, or
adverse events.
 Vulnerability encompasses a variety
of concepts including sensitivity
susceptibility to harm and lack of
capacity to cope and adapt.
 WHY CERTAIN SECTORS OF SOCIETY
ARE MORE VULNERABLE THAN
OTHERS?
 Certain sectors of
society are more
vulnerable to disasters
due to a combination of
socioeconomic,
environmental, and
institutional factors.
1. Socio-Economic Status
 Lower-income
communities often have
fewer resources and less
access to protective
measures such as
insurance, emergency
supplies, or reliable
transportation.
2. Infrastructure and Housing
 Poorly constructed or
inadequate
infrastructure, including
housing, roads, and
utilities, can increase
vulnerability to
disasters.
3. Geographical Location
 Communities located
in areas prone to natural
hazards such as floods,
hurricanes, earthquakes,
or wildfires face higher
levels of vulnerability.
4. Access to Information and Services
 Limited access
to accurate information,
early warning systems,
and emergency services
can hinder preparedness
and response efforts.
5. Health Demographic Factors
 Vulnerable
populations such as
children, the elderly,
people with disabilities,
and those with pre-
existing health
conditions may face
additional challenges
during disasters,
including limited
mobility, access to
medication, or increased
health risks.
6. Social Vulnerability
 Marginalized groups,
including ethnic
minorities, indigenous
populations, migrants,
and refugees, often faces
discrimination and
social exclusion, which
can compound their
vulnerability during
disasters.
7. Governance and Institutional
Capacity
 Effective governance ,
inclusive policies, rebust
institutions are critical
for disaster risk
reduction and response.
8. Cultural and Behavioral Factors
 Cultural beliefs, social
norms, and individual
behavior’s may
influence vulnerability
by affecting risk
perception,
preparedness, and
adaptive capacities
within communities.
9. Environmental Degradation
 Degraded ecosystems
and loss of biodiversity
can increase
vulnerability to natural
disasters and exacerbate
their impacts.
Lesson:4
TYPES OF HAZARDS
1. Technological Hazards- also known
as human made or anthropogenic
 hazards, these include industrial
accidents, chemical spills, nuclear
accidents, and infrastructure failures.
2. Environmental Hazards- This
category includes degradation of
ecosystems, deforestations, soil
erosion, and climate change, impacts
like sea-level rise and desertification.
3. Socio-economic Hazards- These are
hazards arising from socio-economic
factors such as poverty, inequality,
urbanization and population growth,
which can exacerbate vulnerability to
disasters.
4. Natural Hazards- These include
events such as earthquakes, floods,
hurricanes, drought, and volcanic
eruption.
Lesson:6
UNDERSTANDING EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS
 What are the main hazards to
people during an earthquake, and
how do man-made structures
contribute to these risks?
Most of the hazards to people come from
man-made structures themselves and the
shaking they receive from the
earthquake. The real dangers to people
are being crushed in a collapsing
building, drowning in a flood caused by
a broken dam or levee, getting buried
under a landslide, or being burned in a
fire.
Misconceptions
Earthquakes really pose little direct
danger to a person. People can't be
shaken to death by an earthquake. Some
movies show scenes with the ground
suddenly opening up and people falling
into fiery pits, but this just doesn't
happen in real life.
The four main earthquake hazard:
 Ground Shaking
 Ground Displacement
 Flooding
 Fire
1. Ground Shaking- The first main
earthquake hazard (danger) is the
effect of ground shaking. Buildings
can be damaged by the shaking itself
or by the ground beneath them
settling to a different level than it
was before the earthquake
(subsidence).
2. Ground Displacement- The second
main earthquake hazard is ground
displacement (ground movement)
along a fault. If a structure (a
building, road, etc.) is built across a
fault, the ground displacement during
an earthquake could seriously
damage or rip apart that structure.
3. Flooding- The third main hazard is
flooding. An earthquake can rupture
(break) dams or levees along a river.
The water from the river or the
reservoir would then flood the area,
damaging buildings and maybe
sweeping away or drowning people.
Tsunamis, triggered by underwater
earthquakes, and seiches, smaller lake
oscillations also caused by earthquakes,
can cause significant coastal and inland
damage.
4. Fire- The fourth main earthquake
hazard is fire. These fires can be
started by broken gas lines and
power lines, or tipped over wood or
coal stoves. They can be a serious
problem, especially if the water lines
that feed the fire hydrants are broken,
too. For example, after the Great San
Francisco Earthquake in 1906, the
city burned for three days. Most of
the city was destroyed and 250,000
people were left homeless.
IDENTIFYING NATURAL
SIGNS OF APPROACHING
TSUNAMIS
It include strong or long earthquakes,
a loud roar (like a train or an
airplane) from the ocean, and
unusual ocean behavior. The ocean
could look like a fast-rising flood or
a wall of water. Or, it could drain
away suddenly, showing the ocean
 floor, reefs and fish like a very low,
low tide.
Natural signs of an impending tsunami
involves observing:
1. Strong or Long Earthquakes:
Particularly if they occur near the
ocean.
2. Unusual Ocean Behavior: Such as
sudden sea level changes, rapid
rising or falling of water, or the
ocean draining away suddenly.
3. Loud Roaring Sounds: Similar to
the noise of a train or airplane,
coming from the ocean.
4. Unusual Wave Forms: Seeing a
wall of water approaching or
noticing abnormal wave patterns.
5. Animal Behavior: Animals may
behave strangely or flee to higher
ground.
6. Ground Shaking: Especially if it's
accompanied by sea-level
fluctuations.
7. Unusual Ocean Appearance: The
ocean may look like a fast-rising
flood or suddenly drain away,
exposing the ocean floor.
Supporting Research
Not all earthquakes cause tsunamis, but
when they do, they need to be large and
occur near or under the ocean, generating
vertical movement of the seafloor. For
regions like the Cascadia Subduction Zone,
local tsunamis could reach coastal
communities within minutes, leaving little
time for official warnings.
ASSESING THE IMPACT OF VARIOUS
EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS
1. Ground Shaking- Effect of ground
shaking. Buildings can be damaged
by the shaking itself or by the ground
beneath them settling to a different
level than it was before the
earthquake.
2. Ground Displacement- Can lead to
structural damage, environmental
impacts, safety risks, economic
consequences, and disruptions to
services.
3. Flooding- Main impacts of floods.
As floodwaters spread they can
threaten lives, inundate properties
and businesses, destroy belongings,
damage vital infrastructure and
prevent access to essential public
services. Often the effects of flood
are long term and can be very costly,
disruptive and distressing for
communities involved.
4. Fire- Some of the main
consequences of fire include: Loss of
life: Fires can cause injury or death
to people in the area. Smoke
inhalation, burns, and other injuries
can be fatal. Property damage: Fires
can cause extensive damage to
buildings, homes, and other
structures, as well as personal
property and possessions.
Lesson:7
DIFFERENT EARTHQUAKE HAZARD
MAPS AND VARIOUS VOLCANO
RELATED HAZARDS
What is an Earthquake?
 An earthquake is a sudden
release of energy in the
Earth's crust that creates
seismic waves.
What causes earthquake?
 Most earthquakes occur due
to the movement of tectonic
plates, which are large pieces
of the Earth's crust that fit
together like a jigsaw puzzle.
INTERPRET DIFFERENT
EARTQUAKE HAZARD MAPS:
Earthquake hazard maps show
the probability of ground
shaking, ground rupture,
liquefaction, landslide, and
tsunami caused by earthquakes in
a given area. They are based on
the location and activity of faults,
the geology and topography of
 the land, and the historical
records of earthquakes.
A hazard map is a map that highlights areas
that are affected by or are vulnerable to a
particular hazard.
 Provides important
information to help people
understand the risks of
natural hazards and to help
mitigate disasters.
Earthquake hazard maps can help planners,
engineers, and emergency managers to
assess the potential impacts of earthquakes
and to design mitigation measures.
 Volcanoes can be exciting and
fascinating, but also very dangerous.
Any kind of volcano is capable of
creating harmful or deadly
phenomena, whether during an
eruption or a period a period of
quiescence. Understanding what a
volcano can do is the first step in
mitigating volcanic hazards , but it is
important to remember that even if
scientists have studied a volcano for
decades, they do not necessarily
know everything it is capable of.
Volcanoes are natural systems, and
always have some element of
unpredictability.
VARIOUS VOLCANO RELATED HAZARD
Volcano-related hazards are the dangerous
phenomena that can occur during or after a
volcanic eruption. They include lava flows,
pyroclastic flows, ,ashfall, volcanic gases,
lahars, Volcanic Tsunamis, Climate Effects
and tephra.
Volcanoes can pose various hazards to both
the immediate vicinity and regions far
beyond their slopes. These hazards can
manifest before, during, and after volcanic
eruptions. Here are some of the primary
volcano-related hazards:
1. Lava Flows- Lava flows are streams
of molten rock that flow downhill
from the vent of a volcano. They can
destroy everything in their path,
including buildings, vegetation, and
infrastructure. While they typically
move slowly enough for people to
escape, they can still cause
significant property damage and
disrupt communities.
2. Pyroclastic Flow- Pyroclastic flows
are fast-moving clouds of hot gas,
ash, and volcanic rock fragments that
race down the sides of a volcano
during an eruption. They can reach
speeds of hundreds of kilometers per
hour and temperatures of over 1,000
degrees Celsius. Pyroclastic flows
are extremely deadly and can
incinerate everything in their path.
3. AshfallVolcanic ash consists of fine
rock particles less than 2 millimeters
in diameter. During an eruption, ash
can be ejected high into the
atmosphere and carried hundreds or
even thousands of kilometers away
by prevailing winds. Ashfall can
disrupt air travel, cause respiratory
problems, damage crops and
infrastructure, and create hazardous
conditions on roads and runways.
4. Volcanic Gases- Volcanic eruptions
release a variety of gases, including
sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide,
hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen
chloride. These gases can be toxic to
humans and animals, cause acid rain,
and contribute to air pollution and
climate change.
5. Lahars- Lahars are fast-moving
mudflows or debris flows consisting
of water, volcanic ash, and other
debris. They can be triggered by
heavy rainfall, melting snow and ice,
or the sudden release of water from a
volcanic crater lake. Lahars can
 travel long distances from a volcano
and bury communities in their path.

6. Tephra Fall- Tephra is a general

term for volcanic ash and other
volcanic particles ejected into the
atmosphere during an eruption.
Tephra fall can coat landscapes,
buildings, and infrastructure with a
layer of ash, causing structural
damage, disrupting transportation
and utilities, and contaminating
water supplies.

7. Volcanic Tsunamis- Underwater

volcanic eruptions can generate
tsunamis, large ocean waves that can
travel across entire ocean basins and
inundate coastal areas with
devastating force.

8. Climate Effects- Volcanic eruptions

can inject large quantities of ash and
gases into the atmosphere, which can
block sunlight and lower
temperatures in the affected region
and beyond. This can disrupt
ecosystems, affect agriculture, and
cause global climate changes.
Understanding and preparing these hazards
is crucial for mitigating their impacts and
ensuring the safety and resilience of
communities living near active volcanoes.