Hazards

Hazards are defined as physical phenomena that pose a threat to the people, structures or economic assets and which may cause a disaster. Generally speaking, there are two types of hazards, namely:

• Natural - These are hazards caused by nature such as floods, droughts, earthquake cyclones, tsunami, landslides etc
• Human made - These are hazards that are caused by human beings either deliberately or by accident such as industrial and chemical accident, road and railway accidents, aviation disasters, fire, building collapse, communal violence, bomb blasts etc.

Risks

Risk is the probability of harmful consequences or expected losses (deaths, injuries, property, livelihoods, economic activity disrupted or environment damaged) resulting from interaction between natural or human-induced hazards and vulnerable conditions

As far as disaster risk is concerned, it refers to the probability of the occurrence of a disaster. It is a subject to the extent of hazard, vulnerability and capacity. In relation to disasters, Kotze and Holloway (1996) define risk as the expected losses (lives lost, persons injured, damage to property and disruption of economic activity or livelihood) caused by a particular phenomena.

Risk is a function of hazard occurrence and the projected losses. A societal element is said to be ‘at risk’ or vulnerable when it is exposed to hazards and is likely to be adversely affected by the impact of those hazards if and when they occur, especially in situations of limited capacity.

$Disaster Risk = \frac{Hazard \times Vulnerability}{Capacity}$

The relationship between these four components, indicate that each of the three variables that define risk - the hazard, the elements exposed and their vulnerability - are of equal value. Reducing any one or more of the three contributing variables will lessen the risk to a community.

When hazard and vulnerability are high, it will cause disaster but when capacity is present, it will decrease the impact. Hence, to reduce the risk of a disaster,

1. Decrease the vulnerability of the community; and
2. Increase the capacity of the community.

Vulnerability

It is the extent to which a community, structure, service or geographic area is likely to be damaged or disrupted by the impact of a particular hazard on account of its nature, construction, and proximity to hazardous terrain or a disaster prone area. It is the likely extent of damage due to a hazard.

Vulnerability represents the interface between exposure of any physical threats to human well-being and the capacity of people and communities to cope with those threats. Threats may arise from a combination of social and physical processes. Human vulnerability thus integrates many environmental concerns and may undermine the entire sustainable development process in developing countries.

Vulnerability can be of varied types like:

1. Physical vulnerability: Depending on physical location of people and elements at risk and technical capacity of buildings, structures, and infrastructure. It varies according to construction techniques, materials used and location.

2. Economic vulnerability: Poor people are considered to be more vulnerable as their houses are built of weak material and in dangerous areas. They do not have the essential safety nets to recover as the affluent population. Their loose the essential tools and equipments of their livelihood as well.

3. Social Vulnerability: Some sections of the population are more vulnerable than the others like women, children, elderly, physically and mentally challenged and those dependent on critical facilities.

4. Other types of vulnerability: Some other types of vulnerability have also been identified like Environmental vulnerability, Cultural vulnerability, Educational vulnerability, Attitudinal vulnerability and Political vulnerability.

Vulnerability of a Location

The vulnerability of a location refers to the susceptibility of a specific geographic area to harm from various hazards. This susceptibility is determined by a combination of physical, environmental, infrastructural, economic, and social factors that increase the risk of damage and disruption when disasters occur.

Factors Contributing to the Vulnerability of a Location

1. Physical Geography:

   Locations near fault lines, volcanoes, coastal areas, or riverbanks are more susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, hurricanes, and floods.

   Low-lying areas and valleys may be prone to flooding, while mountainous regions may be susceptible to landslides and avalanches.

2. Environmental Conditions:

   Regions with extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, droughts, or high winds, are more vulnerable to related hazards.

   Deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of wetlands can increase susceptibility to floods, landslides, and other environmental hazards.

3. Infrastructure:

   Poorly constructed buildings and infrastructure are more likely to be damaged or collapse during disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods.

   The vulnerability of hospitals, schools, bridges, and utilities can severely impact the community's ability to respond and recover from disasters.

4. Urbanization:

   Highly populated areas can experience more significant impacts due to the sheer number of people and structures at risk.

   Poor urban planning, including the development of hazardous zones and lack of green spaces, can increase vulnerability.

5. Economic Factors:

   Dependence on specific industries (e.g., agriculture, tourism) can increase economic vulnerability if those sectors are disrupted by disasters.

   Limited financial resources can hinder the ability to implement mitigation measures and recover from disasters.

6. Social Factors:

   Availability and accessibility of emergency services, healthcare, transportation, and communication networks can affect the community's resilience.

   The level of awareness, preparedness, and participation in disaster risk reduction activities within the community.

Vulnerable Groups

Vulnerable groups are populations that are more likely to suffer disproportionately from the impacts of hazards due to their specific characteristics and circumstances. Understanding these groups and the factors contributing to their vulnerability is crucial for developing targeted disaster risk reduction strategies and ensuring equitable disaster response and recovery.

Factors Contributing to Vulnerable Groups

1. Age:

   • Children: Depend on adults for safety, may lack understanding of hazards, and are physically more vulnerable.
   • Elderly: May have mobility issues, chronic health conditions, and limited access to resources.

2. Health Status:

   • Chronic Illnesses: Individuals with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues require continuous care and access to medical supplies.
   • Disabilities: People with physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health disabilities may need specific accommodations during emergencies.

3. Socioeconomic Status:

   • Low-Income Households: Often live in more vulnerable housing, have limited financial resources for preparedness and recovery, and may lack insurance.
   • Unemployed Individuals: May face economic instability that exacerbates their vulnerability during disasters.

4. Minority Status:

   • Ethnic and Racial Minorities: May face language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to resources and information.
   • Immigrants and Refugees: Often have limited social support networks and may fear accessing government services due to legal status concerns.

5. Education:

   Low Levels of Education: Can limit awareness and understanding of risks, available resources, and appropriate actions during emergencies.

6. Occupation:

   High-Risk Jobs: Workers in agriculture, fishing, or informal sectors may face increased exposure to hazards and economic instability.

7. Social Isolation:

   Isolated Individuals: Those without strong social networks may have less access to support and resources during and after disasters.

National Policy on Disaster Management

The National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM) serves as a foundational framework for a country's approach to mitigating, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters.

1. Policy Statement:

   • Commitment: The government's commitment to disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery.
   • Vision: A clear vision for a disaster-resilient nation.

2. Legal and Institutional Framework:

   • Legal Basis: Establishes laws and regulations for disaster management.
   • Institutional Roles: Defines the roles and responsibilities of national, regional, and local authorities.
   • Coordination Mechanisms: Structures for inter-agency and multi-stakeholder coordination.

3. Preparedness and Capacity Building:

   • Training Programs: Regular training for disaster response teams and community members.
   • Simulation Exercises: Conduct drills and simulations to test preparedness.
   • Public Awareness: Campaigns to educate the public about disaster risks and preparedness measures.

4. Recovery and Rehabilitation:

   • Damage Assessment: Rapid and accurate assessment of disaster impact.
   • Restoration: Rebuilding of infrastructure and restoration of services.
   • Livelihood Support: Programs to restore and enhance livelihoods of affected populations.

5. Education and Awareness:

   • School Programs: Incorporating disaster management into school curricula.
   • Public Campaigns: Mass media campaigns to raise awareness about disaster risks and preparedness.

6. Sustainable Development Integration:

   • Environmental Management: Integrating environmental management with disaster risk reduction.
   • Climate Change Adaptation: Addressing the impacts of climate change as part of disaster management.

7. knowledge Management Awareness:

   • Generation: People living in areas that are vulnerable to hazards will be sensitized to the hazards which they face as well as methadologies for mitigating the risk.
   • Public education on disaster risk management will be made an intergral part of school and university curricula.

8. Integration and Coordination:

   • National and Local Plans: Integration of disaster management plans into national and local development plans.
   • Stakeholder Collaboration: Involvement of NGOs, private sector, and international partners.

9. Research and Innovation:

   • Scientific Research: Encouraging research on disaster risk reduction and management.
   • Technology Use: Adoption of advanced technologies for disaster prediction, response, and recovery.

10. Monitoring and Evaluation:

    • Performance Indicators: Establishing indicators to measure the effectiveness of disaster management efforts.
    • Regular Reviews: Periodic review and updating of disaster management policies and plans.