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Defining Disaster Risk Reduction

Disaster risk reduction and management aims to lessen socio-economic vulnerabilities to disasters through prevention and dealing with environmental issues. It involves a systematic approach and strategies to reduce the impact of hazards like earthquakes, floods, and cyclones. Disaster risk reduction focuses on reducing risk, while disaster risk management encompasses preparedness and response activities. Hazards threaten harm and have potential to damage property, while disasters disrupt normal life and result in widespread destruction of life and property. To prevent disasters in the Philippines, which is prone to typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, preparedness is key. People should strategize responses before, during and after events, learn survival techniques like "Duck, Cover and Hold" for

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Ken Manilay
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144 views2 pages

Defining Disaster Risk Reduction

Disaster risk reduction and management aims to lessen socio-economic vulnerabilities to disasters through prevention and dealing with environmental issues. It involves a systematic approach and strategies to reduce the impact of hazards like earthquakes, floods, and cyclones. Disaster risk reduction focuses on reducing risk, while disaster risk management encompasses preparedness and response activities. Hazards threaten harm and have potential to damage property, while disasters disrupt normal life and result in widespread destruction of life and property. To prevent disasters in the Philippines, which is prone to typhoons, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, preparedness is key. People should strategize responses before, during and after events, learn survival techniques like "Duck, Cover and Hold" for

Uploaded by

Ken Manilay
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

1.

Define Disaster Risk Reduction and Management


Philippines is now experiencing a lot of calamities as of today. Last April 22, 2019
Central Luzon was struck by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake with epicentre in Castillejos, Zambales
and recently around twin magnitude 5.4 and 5.9 earthquake shaken the province of Batanes
wherein eight people had been reported died and almost 100 people got injured. Disaster like this
is a fortuitous event that cannot be foreseen beforehand and is inevitable, that’s the reason why
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management was arisen for us to be aware on what to do in times
like this.
Disaster Risk Reduction is a systematic approach, plans and strategies which aim to
lessen and reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities to disaster such as earthquakes, floods, drought
and cyclones through an ethic of prevention and it is also dealing with the environmental issues
and how much impact a hazard has on it. The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is commonly
interchangeably with Disaster Risk Management DRM), DRR is set of policy and strategies of
reducing risk while DRM is the application and implementation of DRR which includes
preparedness and response activities in managing disaster, since it describes the actions to
achieve the objective of reducing risk.
2. Differentiate hazard and disaster
Hazards and Disasters are two different words but most commonly interchanged. Hazard
is a threat or chance event that may cause harm and has a potential to damage property and
environment and worst, it may result in losing of life. On the other hand, disaster is an event
occurs in unexpected time and disrupts the normal course of life which can also results in
destruction of life and properties. Once the hazards continue to widespread destruction to the
properties and no longer just a threat, it becomes disaster. These two are both natural as well as
manmade.
3. Strategies on how to prevent disaster experience
Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire or typhoon belt where many volcanoes
are active in eruption and earthquakes occur, the reason why Philippines is prone to
inexhaustible and numerous typhoons, earthquake and volcanic eruptions. Knowing this, how do
us able to prevent such disaster and somehow at least manage it once we experience this kind of
situation. Preventing different disasters may depend on individual and it is a choice that everyone
should be taken be part of. We can’t stop disaster from happening but we can make it less
damaging if we are knowledgeable enough. Preparedness is the key, we must prepare ourselves
to the calamity that may happen anytime. In times of typhoons we can allow ourselves to
organize and strategize everything before, during and after since we can see it coming unlike in
earthquake, it can in the most unexpected time so always do remember the “Duck, Cover and
Hold” policy and maintain the calmness in this kind of situation. Learn and be aware on our
surrounding, know to ask if disaster already happened to the place where you are in. Take in
charge in influencing others by simply sharing to them even a little knowledge on handling
situation in times of calamities. Use the essence of social media to spread awareness and list of
activities in overcoming disaster. And last, Get Ready, know places where you can stay safe and
always have an Emergency plan. In a small action that we do, it might result in big impact on
how to prevent disaster experience.

Common questions

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Individuals can contribute to disaster prevention and preparedness by staying informed about potential hazards and being prepared with emergency plans. This includes following protocols like "Duck, Cover and Hold" during earthquakes, organizing strategies for typhoon response, and actively spreading awareness through social media about managing calamities. Sharing knowledge and influencing others to prepare can significantly increase community resilience .

Small individual actions, such as sharing knowledge of disaster preparedness and maintaining personal emergency kits, can significantly impact overall disaster prevention by increasing community resilience and readiness. When individuals take responsibility for their own safety and influence others to do the same, this collective effort can enhance the effectiveness of broader disaster risk management strategies .

A hazard is a potential threat or chance event that can cause harm, damage property, and potentially result in loss of life. It is a situation that has not yet caused widespread damage. When a hazard results in substantial destruction, causing disruptions to normal life and exceeding community's ability to cope, it transitions into a disaster. Both hazards and disasters can be natural or man-made .

Disasters often exacerbate socio-economic vulnerabilities because the affected areas already lack resources and infrastructure to effectively manage the crisis. Understanding this relationship is crucial as it allows for targeted disaster management strategies that address underlying vulnerabilities, such as poverty and inadequate infrastructure, which, in turn, can reduce the overall impact of disasters and improve recovery processes .

The Philippines' location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its position in the typhoon belt means it is prone to frequent geological and meteorological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons. This geographic reality necessitates a robust approach to disaster risk management, focusing on preparedness and proactive prevention strategies to mitigate potential impacts .

The primary objectives of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) are to systematically reduce socio-economic vulnerabilities to disasters such as earthquakes, floods, drought, and cyclones through preventive strategies. DRR deals with the environmental impacts of hazards and focuses on policies and strategies for risk reduction. On the other hand, Disaster Risk Management (DRM) is about the application and implementation of DRR strategies. DRM involves preparedness and response activities to manage disasters and achieve risk reduction objectives .

The "Duck, Cover and Hold" policy is effective because it provides a method for individuals to protect themselves from falling debris and structural collapses during an earthquake. Ducking under sturdy furniture reduces exposure to falling or flying objects, covering helps protect vital organs, and holding on ensures that individuals maintain their protective position if the shaking causes movement. Its simplicity and direct approach make it a widely recommended safety protocol .

Effective disaster management in typhoon-prone regions involves advanced planning and organization before, during, and after the event. This includes preparing emergency supplies, developing evacuation plans, reinforcing infrastructure, and spreading awareness of predicted typhoons through media channels. Immediate response activities and long-term recovery plans are also essential for minimizing impact and facilitating quick recovery .

Maintaining calmness during unexpected disasters such as earthquakes is crucial because panic can lead to poor decision-making and increased risk of injury. Calmness allows individuals to think clearly, follow emergency protocols, and make rational decisions quickly. It mitigates panic-related incidents and ensures that safety measures are implemented effectively during the critical moments of a disaster .

Social media can be effectively leveraged to enhance disaster preparedness by spreading awareness and information on preventive measures and emergency planning. Platforms can be used to educate the public on early warning signs, provide real-time updates during emergencies, and share survival strategies. This dissemination of information can mobilize communities and encourage proactive involvement in disaster risk management .

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