LEC 1

The Geographic Location

The Philippines is vulnerable to almost all types of natural hazards because of its geographic location.

Pacific Ring of Fire

The area where two major tectonic plates (Pacific and Eurasian) meet is highly prone to earthquakes
and volcanic eruptions.

This explains the existence of earthquakes, tsunamis, and around 300 volcanoes (22 are active) in the
country.

Mt. Smith - Cagayan

3 active

Mayon

Taal

Bulusan

Pacific Typhoon Belt

Explaines the existence of an average of 20 typhoons visiting the country every year (5 of which are
said to be destructive)

18 Major River Basins in the Philippines

1. Cagayan
2. Mindanao
3. Agusan
4. Pampanga
5. Agno
6. Abra
7. Pasig - Laguna Bay
8. Bicol
9. Tagum - Libuganon
10. Ilog - Hilabangan
11. Panay
12. Tagoloan
13. Davao
14. Cagayan de Oro
15. Jalaur
16. Buayan - Malung
**
Human induced disasters

also pose threats to the lives of the Filipinos

What is a Disaster?

Disaster is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society involving widespread

human, material, economic, or environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the
affected community or society to cope using its own resources.

Disasters are often described as a result of the combination of exposure to a hazard; the conditions of
vulnerability that are present; and insufficient capacity.

Learning from past disasters

Disasters caused by natural hazards, human-induced incidents, and climate change abound in the
country
There are also problems brought about by the vulnerabilities which increase disaster risks.
Poor construction
Inappropriate location
Fast-growing population
Urbanization/Environmental degradation
Pollution
Indifference