DISASTER RISK REDUCTION & MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK IN THE PHILIPPINES

Summary

The video discusses disaster risk reduction in the Philippines, emphasizing its vulnerability to natural hazards like volcanic eruptions due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The script highlights the devastating 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, which killed 700 people but could have been worse without the forecasts by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology. The country's high population density, poverty levels, and frequent exposure to natural disasters amplify the economic and social impacts. The government has established organizations for forecasting, hazard assessment, and disaster education to mitigate future risks.

Takeaways

• 🌋 The Philippines is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it a highly active region for volcanic and seismic activity.
• 📉 The country faces numerous natural hazards, with 25 active volcanoes, posing a risk for massive disasters.
• 🏔️ The June 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo was a major event, killing 700 people and displacing thousands, especially indigenous communities.
• 🔥 Pyroclastic flows and lahars were the primary causes of destruction during the Mount Pinatubo eruption.
• 🔬 The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) saved 5,000 lives and $250 million in damages through timely forecasting and evacuations.
• 📊 The Philippines is a low-income country (LIC) with high population density, particularly in Manila, and widespread poverty exacerbates the impact of natural disasters.
• 👶 The Philippines has a growing youthful population, which amplifies the economic effects of disasters, as recovery can be prolonged and challenging.
• 🏗️ The government has implemented organizations for disaster forecasting, warning, and risk assessment to mitigate the impact of disasters.
• 🏠 Structural programs, land use planning, building regulations, and defense systems are key strategies to protect people from the frequent hazards.
• 📚 Disaster training, education, and hazard awareness are emphasized by the government to prevent more severe effects in the future.

Q & A

What is the role of the private sector and NGOs in disaster risk reduction?

The private sector, business sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play key roles in disaster risk reduction by contributing to community-based management and supporting the efforts of national disaster risk reduction councils.

What is the significance of the Philippines sitting within the Pacific Ring of Fire?

The Philippines is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it highly susceptible to volcanic and seismic activity, due to the subduction of the Philippine oceanic crust under the Eurasian continental plate, which leads to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

How many active volcanoes are present in the Philippines?

The Philippines has a total of 25 active volcanoes, as stated by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, many of which have the potential to cause significant disasters.

What was the impact of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption?

The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 resulted in the death of 700 people, displaced thousands, and caused significant destruction, especially through pyroclastic flows and lahars. Indigenous people of the region were heavily affected.

How did the Philippine Institute of Volcanology contribute to minimizing the effects of the Mount Pinatubo eruption?

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology's accurate forecasting of the eruption and response efforts to evacuate the area saved at least 5,000 lives and prevented $250 million in damages.

What is the economic impact of frequent disasters on the Philippines?

Due to a high population density, widespread poverty, and a growing youthful population, the economic impact of frequent disasters in the Philippines is severe, often leaving people affected and suffering for years.

What measures has the Philippine government taken to mitigate disaster risks?

The government has established organizations focused on forecasting, hazard risk assessment, disaster training, and education to reduce the impact of disasters. Additionally, land use planning, building regulations, and structural defenses are implemented to enhance survival during hazards.

What are pyroclastic flows and lahars, and how did they contribute to the damage during the Mount Pinatubo eruption?

Pyroclastic flows are fast-moving currents of hot gas and volcanic matter, while lahars are destructive mudflows. Both were primary causes of destruction during the Mount Pinatubo eruption, especially affecting the north side of the mountain.

Why is the frequent occurrence of hazards in the Philippines particularly concerning?

The frequent hazards are especially concerning because of the high population density, poverty levels, and the vulnerability of the population to long-term economic and social effects after disasters.

What role does land use planning and building regulation play in disaster risk reduction in the Philippines?

Land use planning and building regulations are crucial in helping the population survive the range of hazards in the Philippines by ensuring that infrastructure is more resilient to natural disasters.