2. Disaster Risk Management

So, also here is another chart you can see from 1950 to 2005, the number of events that flood is increasing, storm also are increasing, earthquake is almost the same as from 1950's to 2005, you cannot see much huge differences but other disasters you can see they are increasing very prominently.

This chunk highlights the observable trend in disaster events over a period from 1950 to 2005. It indicates that flooding and storm events have significantly increased, while the frequency of earthquakes has remained relatively stable. This observation is crucial in disaster risk management because it suggests that while some hazards might not pose an immediate threat due to their infrequency, others, like floods and storms, require more attention and preparation.

Consider the increasing number of severe weather events, like hurricanes, in certain regions. Just like how we might start to notice that it rains more frequently in our hometown each year, communities that experience a rise in flooding need to take steps to prepare and manage these risks, such as building better drainage systems or creating evacuation plans.

So, we are talking about hazards that this landslide or this stone when it is exposed to heavy rainfall or earthquake, it can have some potentiality to cause human injury or loss or property damage.

This chunk explains that natural hazards, such as landslides or earthquakes, can lead to human injuries or property damage when certain conditions are met, like heavy rainfall. It emphasizes the concept that hazards themselves do not directly cause harm; rather, it is the interaction between these events and human presence or infrastructure that poses a risk. This understanding is essential in disaster risk management because identifying potential hazards can help mitigate risks through planning and preparedness.

Imagine a heavy rainstorm in a mountainous area. If there is a landslide, it doesn't just happen randomly; it often occurs where people have built homes or roads. Similar to how a tree falling could crush a car parked under it, understanding where hazards like landslides might occur helps communities decide where not to build or how to build safer structures.

If it is not a barren land or a forest, but some people are working there, then do we care now? Like, it can cause that this rainfall because of the rainfall, this landslide will take place and it may hit this person and he will be injured and property loss will be reported. Yes, we concern because this person is there and earlier he was not there.

This chunk emphasizes that the presence of people and their activities in a hazard-prone area increases the concern for potential disaster impacts. When areas are uninhabited, the risk remains purely theoretical. However, when people are living or working in those areas, the potential for injury, loss, or property damage becomes a real threat, necessitating effective disaster risk management measures.

Think about a construction site on a mountain prone to landslides. If workers are present, the risk of injury from a landslide changes everything; similar to how we might be more cautious about crossing a busy street if there are cars around compared to a quiet, empty road.

So, we are calling as exposure; the situation of people, infrastructure, housing, production capacities and other tangible human assets located in hazard-prone areas.

In this chunk, exposure is defined as the presence of people, buildings, and other resources in areas that face potential hazards. Essentially, exposure refers to how many individuals and what types of structures are in jeopardy from an expected hazard. Understanding exposure is critical in disaster risk management; for instance, the more people and infrastructure present in a hazard-prone area, the greater the potential for damage and the need for preventative measures.

Consider a coastal city at risk of hurricanes. The more homes, schools, and businesses located on the shoreline, the higher the exposure to hurricane damage. It's like having a lot of toys spread on the floor in a room where a dog runs around; the more toys there are, the higher the risk they will get knocked over.

Now, when we are talking about exposure, maybe these are indicators, we can define how many, what extent, who are exposed. Let us say, building use; residential, commercial, industrial, they define that how many people, what extent, what type of people are exposed to disasters.

This chunk explains the indicators that help assess exposure in hazard-prone areas. These indicators include the types of buildings (residential, commercial, industrial) and their uses. By categorizing these factors, disaster management can identify vulnerable populations and structures that require more attention and better protective measures before disasters occur.

Visualize this as a school setting where students are grouped by grades. The younger grades may need more support and protection during an emergency drill compared to older students. Similarly, residential buildings may need different safety precautions than industrial complexes when assessing risks.

It also matter that if this hazard would take place at day time, when people are not working, people are working outside, or maybe night time when people are sleeping so, at day time of course, we have less people are exposed to hazards compared to night time.

Here, the timing of disaster events is discussed, indicating that the time of day can significantly impact how many individuals are exposed to hazards. For example, if a landslide occurs during the day when people are out at work, fewer people are affected compared to a nighttime incident when many are at home and possibly in close proximity to the hazard.

Imagine if a gas leak happened in an office building during working hours; more people might be exposed. But if it happened late at night when the building is empty, fewer people would be at risk. The timing of the incident is critical for understanding and managing disaster impacts.

If in a place that is prone to landslides or potentially to have a landslide, like this one you can see and maybe in this village, the all people living there are old people; senior citizens above 65 years old. If there are only senior citizens or maybe only children are there, only kids so, of course they are more vulnerable, more exposed and more at risk.

This chunk focuses on how the demographic composition of a community affects its overall vulnerability to disasters. If a community consists mainly of elderly or very young individuals, they may face greater challenges in responding to disasters compared to a balanced demographic. Recognizing these vulnerabilities is essential for devising tailored disaster risk management strategies.

Think of a sports team; a team full of young, athletically fit players can typically respond more dynamically during a game than a team with only older players or injured members. Similarly, communities with a strong, able-bodied population can better prepare for and respond to disasters.

Or if the people who are exposed they are only poor, they are more at risk, they are more vulnerable and if a rich people who have better economic capacity, we consider to be that they are less risk.

This chunk addresses how economic status influences vulnerability to disasters. Poor communities may lack the resources to prepare for or recover from disasters effectively, making them more susceptible to harm. Understanding this aspect helps in forming equitable disaster responses that prioritize assistance for the most vulnerable groups.

Like having a well-equipped team in a game versus an underfunded team without proper gear. In disaster situations, wealthier communities may have better infrastructure and resources for safety and recovery, while poorer areas may struggle without necessary support.

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