DISASTER MANAGEMENT

MODULE - 2
 SYLLABUS

1.Hazard types and hazard mapping.

2.Vulnerability types and their assessment- physical, social, economic and

environmental vulnerability.

3.Disaster risk assessment –approaches, procedures.

 HAZARD

A hazard is a potential source of harm. Substances, events, or circumstances can

constitute hazards when their nature would potentially allow them to cause damage to
health, life, property, or any other interest of value. The probability of that harm being
realized in a specific incident, combined with the magnitude of potential harm, make up
its risk. This term is often used synonymously in colloquial speech.
 DEFINITION

A hazard is defined as "the potential occurrence of a natural or human-induced

physical event or trend that may cause loss of life, injury, or other health impacts, as
well as damage and loss to property, infrastructure, livelihoods, service
provision, ecosystems and environmental resources.
 TYPES OF HAZARD

2. HUMAN
1. NTURAL
MADE
HAZARDS
HAZARDS
 1. NATURAL HAZARDS

Geological
Meteorological Biological
Hazards:
Hazards: Hydrological Hazards:
Earthquakes,
Hurricanes, Hazards: Floods, Pandemics,
volcanic
cyclones, river overflows, epidemics,
eruptions,
tornadoes, coastal storms. insect
landslides,
droughts. infestations.
tsunamis.
 2. HUMAN-MADE HAZARDS

• Technological Hazards: Chemical spills,

industrial accidents, radiation leaks.
• Environmental Degradation: Deforestation,
pollution, habitat destruction.
• Societal Hazards: Terrorism, civil conflicts,
and infrastructure failures.
 HAZARD MAPPING

Hazard Mapping: Hazard mapping is the process of identifying and displaying areas at risk
of specific hazards, helping in planning and mitigating the effects of disasters. Maps use
symbols and colors to represent areas with varying risk levels.

 A Hazard Map is a visual representation of the workplace where there are hazards that could
cause injuries or illness. The Hazard Mapping method draws on what workers know from on
the job experience. The Hazard Mapping approach works best when conducted with a small
group of workers with some similarity in their work.
 STEPS IN HAZARD MAPPING
1. Data Collection: Historical data on past events, geology, climate, and human activity.

2. Risk Analysis: Understanding factors that make certain areas more prone to
hazards.

3. Mapping: Creating maps using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to visually

represent hazard-prone areas.
 BENEFITS OF HAZARD MAPPING

1. Improved Disaster Preparedness

 Hazard maps highlight areas prone to specific risks (e.g., flood zones, earthquake fault
lines), helping communities and emergency responders prepare in advance.
 With clear visuals, communities can establish early warning systems, evacuation routes,
and response plans tailored to high-risk areas.

2. Enhanced Land Use Planning

 Hazard maps guide planners and developers in avoiding construction in high-risk areas,
reducing the potential for property damage and loss of life.
 They help prioritize safer areas for development, helping cities grow in ways that
minimize exposure to natural hazards.
3. Resource Allocation and Prioritization
 By identifying the most vulnerable areas, hazard mapping enables authorities to
allocate resources effectively, focusing investments on high-risk zones.
 This ensures that funding for infrastructure, disaster response, and resilience-
building efforts is spent where it’s needed most.

4. Risk Awareness and Community Engagement

 Hazard maps visually communicate risk to the public, increasing awareness and
encouraging individuals to take precautions.
 When communities understand local risks, they’re more likely to participate in
preparedness initiatives and support local disaster mitigation measures.
 VULNERABILITY
Vulnerability is the degree to which a community, system, or asset can be adversely affected by a hazard.

Vulnerability refers to "the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being
attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally. The understanding of social and
environmental vulnerability, as a methodological approach, involves the analysis of
the risks and assets of disadvantaged groups, such as the elderly. The apprgerontological
each of vulnerability in itself brings great expectations of social policy and planning. Types
of vulnerability include social, cognitive, environmental, emotional or military.
 TYPES OF VULNERABILITY

1. Physical Vulnerability

2. Social Vulnerability

3. Economic Vulnerability

4. Environmental Vulnerability
A. Physical Vulnerability: The susceptibility of buildings, infrastructure, and location. For
example, homes built near fault lines or coasts are more vulnerable to earthquakes or
hurricanes.
B. Social Vulnerability: Relates to population characteristics like age, gender, disability, and
social isolation. Certain groups (e.g., elderly or children) are often more vulnerable due to
limited mobility or resources.
C. Economic Vulnerability: Reflects the impact of a disaster on economic activities and
livelihoods. Poorer communities are often more affected as they lack resources for resilience
and recovery.
D. Environmental Vulnerability: Environmental damage, such as deforestation or water pollution,
can increase vulnerability to natural hazards. Healthy ecosystems can act as buffers, reducing
risk (e.g., mangroves protecting against coastal flooding).
ASSESSMENT OF VULNERABILITY
 ASSESSMENT OF VULNERABILITY (STEPS)

Vulnerability Assessment: To assess vulnerability, it’s necessary to analyze factors in

the context of each community and hazard.

Steps:
1. Identify Vulnerable Groups or Assets: Understand the local population, economic
activities, and environment.
2. Analyze Exposure: Determine how exposed the community is to specific hazards.
3. Evaluate Resilience and Adaptation Capacity: Consider the community’s ability to
prepare for, respond to, and recover from a hazard.
 RISK ASSESSMENT APPROACHES

Disaster Rich Assessment involves identifying and understanding the potential risks
a community faces, integrating hazard likelihood, vulnerability, and exposure.

A. Qualitative Approach: Uses descriptive information (e.g., interviews, historical

data) to understand potential risks.
B. Quantitative Approach: Uses numerical data and statistical analysis to measure the
likelihood and impact of hazards.
 1. QUALITATIVE APPROACH

The qualitative approach involves gathering descriptive information to understand risks

based on observations, experiences, and expert opinions. Rather than relying on numerical
data, it focuses on subjective insights into the community’s risk levels.
• Examples of Methods:
• Interviews and Surveys: Engaging community members, experts, and local authorities to
gather insights into past experiences with disasters and their perceived risks.
• Focus Groups: Group discussions that explore collective community perspectives and
concerns about specific hazards.
• Historical Analysis: Reviewing past events to understand recurring patterns and the extent
of previous impacts.
 Strengths Limitations

• Provides in-depth context and captures • Results may vary due to personal biases
community knowledge. or subjective interpretations.
• Helps identify non-quantifiable factors, such • Less precise than quantitative methods,
as social vulnerability and psychological as it lacks numerical measurement of
impacts. risk.
 2. QUANTITATIVE APPROACH

The quantitative approach uses numerical data, statistical models, and mathematical
analysis to estimate the likelihood and severity of hazards, making it more precise and
measurable.
• Examples of Methods:
• Statistical Analysis: Examining data from previous incidents (e.g., frequency, magnitude) to
calculate probabilities of future events.
• Risk Modeling: Using computer simulations or predictive models to assess potential
impacts based on various factors, such as population density or building resilience.
• GIS and Mapping Tools: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to create risk
maps by layering data on hazards, vulnerability, and exposure.
 Strengths Limitations

• Provides objective, measurable data that can

guide decision-making. • Requires reliable and accurate data,
which may not always be available.
• Helps prioritize risks by quantifying the
potential impact and likelihood of hazards. • May overlook social or emotional
factors that qualitative methods capture
well.
PROCEDURES/STEPS IN RISK ASSESSMENT

1) Identify Hazards: Determine the types of hazards that could potentially impact an area.
2) Analyze Vulnerability and Exposure: Understand who or what would be affected by the
hazard and how vulnerable they are.
3) Evaluate Risk: Combine information about hazards, vulnerability, and exposure to
estimate risk.
4) Implement Mitigation Strategies: Use risk assessment results to create plans, such as
early warning systems, infrastructure upgrades, or community education programs.
THANK YOU