Disaster
Management
Rose Dyane F. Nunag-Hizola, RMT, MPH
College of Medical Laboratory Science
Our Lady of Fatima University
• DISASTER - is a serious disruption of the
functioning of a society, causing widespread
human, material, or environmental losses which
exceed the ability of the affected society to cope,
using only its own resources (UN)
• EMERGENCY – any occurrence which requires an
immediate response (WHO)
• DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Dynamic process and encompasses the clinical
management of planning, organizing, staffing,
leading and controlling
Types of Disaster
I. As to origin
a. Natural
Air
Typhoons - strong winds and rains causing tremendous damage and deaths
Monsoons - prolonged rainfall lasting several days and weeks
Easterly waves - great river of winds, west at an average speed of 161KPH
Thunderstorm - characterized by thunder, lightning caused by an over mountains
regions
Tornado - violent whirling of wind
Blizzard - snow storm
Water
Flood - body of water arising and overflowing the land
Tidal waves - great sea waves following earthquake, typhoon or floods caused by
piling of water in hurricanes
Types of Disaster
I. As to origin
a. Natural
Land
• Earthquake - vibration produced by disturbance in stability of rock masses under the
surface of the earth. Natural phenomena caused by sudden released of energy
accumulated in rocks that when the compression stresses exceed their mechanical
strength a rupture occurs giving rise to seismic tremors
• Volcanic eruption - ejection of volcanic materials (ashes, lava, etc.) through fissure
brought about by tremendous pressure firing rock formation
• Avalanches- vast body of snow, ice or land sliding down a mountain
• Droughts - little or no rain for a long period of time
Types of Disaster
I. As to origin
b. Man-made
• Transport’
• Air, sea, water mishap
• Collapse of building
• Chemicals
• Nuclear
• Outbreak of animal/plant disease
• Fire
• Pollution of aquatic resources
c. Other forms of disaster as to origin
• Terrorism
• Sabotage
• Hostage situation
• Organized mass action
• Riots
• Wars
Types of Disaster
II. As to onset
• Disasters that occur with warning
– storm, volcanic eruption
• Disaster that occur without warning
– Fire, landslide, droughts
III. As to number of casualties
1. Multiple victims
• Involves up to 10 people
• Vehicular accidents, fire, explosion
2. Multiple casualties
• Involves as many as 100 people
• Air crash, riots, tornado
3. Mass casualties
• Large scale disaster in large number of injured person over 100 and disrupt
community services and resources
• Earthquakes, wars
Effects of disaster
1. individual/family- separated from loved ones, become
homeless, loss of livelihood
2. Community/country- damage to infrastructure, decreased
population, decrease investors
3. Health- lacks medical supplies, epidemics and other
diseases outbreaks, lack of health facilities, contaminated
food and water
4. Economy- damage to crops, decreased production,
decreased earnings, food shortage
5. Peace and order- chaos, confusion, panic, increased crimes
due to needs
6. Public service- disruption of services, communication
breakdown, transportation difficulties
Legal Mandates
A. A.O. no.6 BS of 1999
The DOH institutionalized the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
Program
This program is designed to a comprehensive, integrated and responsive
emergency disaster related service and research-oriented program with the goal
of promoting health emergency preparedness.
B. PD no. 1566 (1978)
Strengthening the Phil. Disaster Control Capability and Establishing the National
Program on Community Disaster Preparedness
This law implemented the ff:
1.Creation of National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)
2. Creation of the Multi-level organizations
3. Funding for 2% reserve for calamities
C. RA no. 7160 (Local Gov’t. Code of 1911)
1. Transfer of responsibilities from the national to the local government units by
giving more powers, authorities, responsibilities and resources.
2. Allocation of 5% calamity fund for emergency rehabilitation, reconstructions
and other works of services.
Agencies involved in disaster management
1. International level
a. UN, International Red Cross, Red crescent
2. National Level
a.NDCC, DPWH, DOTC, DSWD, DepEd, DOLE,
DTI,DOH.DILG,DOJ,DOF,DA, PNRC- Government
agencies
b. NGO’s
3. Regional local government levels
a.regional coordinating council- provincial
coordinating council
Prevention and Control Measures
Fundamental responsibility of the government
Require community participation
a. Be prepared
Emergency planning
Training and education
Emergency exercises/drills
b. Follow requirements for building construction
e.g. Fire exists, earthquake proof foundation, using quality and strong
materials
c. In cases of disaster
• Stay calm but act fast
• Priority is prevention of injury and loss of lives. Saving of personal
belongings should be the second priority
d. Know where to get assistance
After the safety of the people is ensured and appropriate medical assistance
has been provided
e. Rehabilitation of shelter and environmental health should follow.
