Disaster Readiness & Risk Reduction ( DRRR)- Lesson 1: BASIC CONCEPTS OF DISASTER AND DISASTER RISK

Summary

The video script discusses the Philippines' vulnerability to natural disasters due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt. It highlights the country's high incidence of typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness and the role of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. The script also outlines steps for personal preparedness, such as assembling an emergency kit for at least three days of self-sufficiency.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia, highly prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes due to its geographical location.
• 🔍 The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Eurasian Plate and the Pacific Plate meet, leading to frequent seismic and volcanic activities.
• 🏭 The Philippines is among the top 10 countries facing the highest disaster stress and ranks third in vulnerability to climate change.
• 📍 Specific provinces in the Philippines are particularly at risk to earthquakes, including Surigao Del Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and others.
• 🌪 The Philippines is also located along the typhoon belt, experiencing an average of 20 typhoons per year, with about six being destructive.
• 🏠 Disasters are defined as calamitous events that disrupt community functioning and cause losses exceeding the community's ability to cope with its own resources.
• 🛡 Disaster preparedness involves proactive measures to prepare for and mitigate the effects of disasters, including creating emergency kits.
• 📦 Essential items for an emergency kit include non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a portable battery-operated radio or TV, batteries, medicines, and other supplies.
• 📈 The Philippine disaster management system is evolving towards disaster risk reduction (DRR) with the implementation of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.
• 🏆 The goal of DRR is to reduce the loss of life and property damage caused by calamities and hazards.
• 🧩 The script concludes with an assessment activity, encouraging participants to synthesize the information learned about disaster preparedness and management.

Q & A

What is the Philippines' geographical location and how does it affect the country's exposure to natural hazards?

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia, surrounded by the Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean in the East, and the South China Sea in the West. This location exposes the country to a high incidence of hazards such as typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.

What is the Pacific Ring of Fire and how is the Philippines related to it?

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. The Philippines is part of this region, where the Eurasian plate and the Pacific Plate meet, leading to numerous volcanic and seismic activities.

How does the Philippines' location contribute to its vulnerability to typhoons?

The Philippines is located along the typhoon belt on the western North Pacific basin, where about 66 percent of tropical cyclones enter or originate. This results in an average of 20 typhoons per year, with about six of them being destructive.

What is the significance of the Philippines being in the Pacific Ring of Fire in terms of volcanic and seismic activities?

Being in the Pacific Ring of Fire means the Philippines experiences a high number of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. This is due to the tectonic plate movements in the region, which also contribute to tsunami occurrences.

Which provinces in the Philippines are particularly at risk to earthquakes?

Provinces at risk to earthquakes include Surigao Del Sur, La Union, Benget, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Ifugao, Davao Oriental, Nueva Vizcaya, and Nueva Ecija.

What does the term 'disaster rest' refer to in the context of the Philippines?

Disaster rest refers to the percentage of the population that is affected by disasters. The Philippines has a high disaster rest, ranking third on the list of the most vulnerable countries to climate change.

How can the Philippines reduce its disaster rest?

The Philippines can reduce its disaster rest by ensuring that all Filipinos are informed and knowledgeable about disaster preparedness and prevention. This involves proactive measures and education.

What is the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121) and its purpose?

The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (RA 10121) is a law that transforms the country's disaster management system towards disaster risk reduction. Its purpose is to reduce the impact of calamities or hazards on lives and properties.

What are some essential items to include in an emergency kit for disaster preparedness?

An emergency kit should include non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a portable battery-operated radio or television, batteries, medicines, antibacterial hand wipes, a first aid kit, money, seasonal clothing, and sanitation supplies.

Why is disaster preparedness important in the Philippines?

Disaster preparedness is crucial as it helps predict and prevent disasters, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and effectively respond and cope with their consequences. Being prepared can save lives and reduce the damage caused by natural disasters.