• explain the meaning of disaster;

• differentiate the risk factors underlying

disasters;
• describe the effects of disaster on one’s life;
• explain how and when an event becomes a
disaster.
• Every day, the earth undergoes different processes
like the movement of plate tectonics and wind
movements that constantly change the structure of the
planet. Some processes that are slow and steady
might not be noticeable. On the other hand, disasters
can occur when these processes become abrupt and
sudden.
• Disasters can cause damage or mishap in one’s life.
The word “disaster” originated from the French
word, ‘desastre’, a combination of two words, ‘des’
meaning bad and ‘astre’ meaning star. Thus, disasters
signify bad star or evil star.
A community near a volcano can be regarded as vulnerable to its
hazards. Moreso, the community can experience disaster due to
volcanic hazards.

Work with a group to create a MNEMONIC RACE. Think of

related words that starts with the specific mnemonic letters below.
D
I
S
A
S
T
E
R
• Disaster is a dangerous situation or
threat from natural or man-made
events that disrupt the functions of
individuals in a community.
• This could mean death, damage to resources,
and loss of property. Thus, a community
under disaster might need assistance
to recover.
• A hazard is a threat to life,
environment, or property. A
hazard can be considered a
disaster if it poses an actual harm
to life and environment. It can be
classified based on its origins:
natural and man-made.
• are caused by an abrupt or slow
onset of naturally occurring
phenomena which can be
biological, geological,
hydrological, meteorological, and
climatological in origin.
are caused by human activities and
occur near human settlement. Pollution,
industrial, and transport accidents,
conflicts (war and terrorism), and
technological structures are some
examples of man-made hazards.
• It is a failure to withstand the
impacts of hazards.
For example, a town located near
an active volcano is more
vulnerable to a volcanic eruption
compared to a town located far
from the volcano.
 Disasters occur when hazards bring
harmful impacts to human population.
The impacts of a disaster can be reduced
if proper mitigation measures are done.
• Mitigation refers to the act of
preventing or minimizing the effects
of a disaster by introducing
precautionary measures before it
strikes a community.
• disaster occurrence is a combination of
hazards and vulnerability. A vulnerable
community exposed to a hazard is prone to
disaster risks.
• Vulnerability is often caused by limited
resources, illnesses within the population, and
disabilities within a community. Failure to
plan proper disaster management
procedures also contribute in disaster
formation.
• Some natural disasters are unpredictable, but
communities can prepare for its occurrence to
avoid heavy damages. For example, the
earthquake on the West Valley Fault lining the
National Capital Region and nearby areas is
unpredictable. However, the government and
nearby communities can take precautionary
measures to reduce the potential negative impacts
of the earthquake. The different communities
around the area continue to conduct earthquake
drills to prepare for the upcoming disaster.
• On the other hand, natural disasters like
typhoons occur with warning. PAGASA
(Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services) and the media
provide information about the typhoon’s
speed and location so that citizens could
take precautionary measures and
evacuation procedures before the typhoon
strikes.
• Man-made disasters are caused by human activities
and usually occur in human settlements. Like natural
disasters , man-made disasters can happen with or
without warning. Flood caused by an unknown leak or
breakage in a water dam, without proper mitigation is
an example of unpredicted disaster.
• Some of the most severe man-made disasters strike
without warning. An example is the war at Marawi
that caused the death of hundreds of civilians and
soldiers, damage to properties, and the spread of
diseases.