Newspapers and television channels report natural hazards and disasters from many parts of the world almost every day. Neither all hazards nor all disasters can be prevented, but the destruction can be minimized. This chapter covers natural and man-made disasters, the disaster management cycle and survival techniques.
1. Hazard and Disaster
Hazard
A hazard is a dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition that may cause loss of life, injury, health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption or environmental damage.
- Natural hazards are natural phenomena that might have a negative impact on humans or the environment.
- Natural hazards are classified into two broad categories: Geophysical and Biological.
Disaster
A disaster is "a serious disruption in the society causing widespread material, economic, social or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected society to cope using its own resources".