CONCEPT OF

DISASTER

Disaster Readiness and

Risk Reduction
DISASTER

A sudden, calamitous event, bringing great

damage, loss, destruction and devastation to life
and property.

It is a serious disruption of the functioning of

community or society involving widespread human,
material, economic or environmental losses and
impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected
community cope up using its own resources.
EFFECTS OF DISASTERS

Every year, millions of people are affected by

both human caused or natural disaster.
Disasters may be explosions, earthquakes,
floods, hurricanes, tornados, or fire.

In disaster, you face the danger of death or

physical injury. Such stressors place you at risk
for emotional and physical health problems.
Stress reactions after a disaster look very much
like common reactions seen after any type of
trauma.

Disaster can cause a full range of mental and

physical reactions. You may also react to
problems that occur after the event, as they
trigger and remind you of the trauma.
DISASTER RISK

The probability that a community’s structure or

geographic area is to be damaged or disrupted
by the impact of particular hazard, on account of
its nature, construction and proximity to a
hazardous area. It signifies the possibility of
adverse effects in the future.
TYPES OF DISASTER

Natural Disasters

These originate from the

different forces of nature.
Natural disasters such as
earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, typhoons and
cyclones.
 Man made Disasters

These disaster occur due to

people’s actions against human,
material and environment.
These include transport and
industrial accidents, such as air
and train crashes, chemical spill,
fire and building collapses.
 RISK FACTORS
Severity of Exposure
Gender and Family
Age
Other Specific Factors of the Survivors
Developing Countries
Low or Negative Social Support