Disaster Readiness and

Risk Reduction
Quarter 1-Module 1:

1
 Basic Concept of Disaster and
What I Need to Know
This module is intended to help you understand the concept of disaster. Disasters are
reality. Perhaps our most potent response to it must be awareness, knowledge, and
understanding of this reality. Hence, this first lesson provides you, our dear learners
with a basic but thorough grounding on the concept of disaster and how and when an
event turns into a disaster.
The Module is intended to equip you with knowledge to explain the basic concept of
disaster.

2
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. Understand the meaning of disaster.
2. Justify different kinds of disasters that are common; the Philippines has
experience.
3. Observe surroundings and every situation that you may encounter.
4. Appreciate the significance of knowing disaster risks and how it may affect one’s
life.

What I Know
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. What is this inherently unexpected and happening that comes quickly
without any warning?
a. disaster b. hazard c. phenomenon d. risk
2. A natural disaster is a(n) _____ event.
a. expected b. planned c. scheduled d. unexpected
3. It is also called as the Circum-Pacific belt, the zone of earthquakes
surrounding the Pacific Ocean where about 99% of the world’s earthquake
occurs.
a. locust b. drought c. ring of fire d. subsidence
4. All of the following show effect of disasters EXCEPT__________.
a. displacement of populations
b. damage to the ecological environment
c. destruction of a population’s homeland
d. sustained public attention during the recovery phase
5. Which of the following is an example of man-caused disaster?
a. storm surges c. landslide on mining sites
b. flooded coastal areas d. oil spills from shipping boat
6. Which of the following is an example of natural hazards?
a. factories b. fault lines c. mining sites d. chemical plants
7. Which of the following is NOT a type of natural hazard that causes
disaster?
a. tornado b. typhoon c. earthquake d. car accident
8. It is defined as the source of danger and something that may cause injury
or harm.
a. disaster b. hazard c. phenomenon d. risk
9. Which of the following category is NOT part of man-made hazard?
a. terrorism/violence
3
 b. technological/industrial
c. complex humanitarian emergencies
d. preventive and precautionary measures
10. Which of the following is useful to better establish priorities and response
activities, and systematize previous experiences?
a. disaster risk c. phases of disaster
b. effects of disaster d. categories of disaster
11. It involves the identification and mapping of the elements at risk and the
assessment of people, animals and plants that may be affected?
a. exposure b. vulnerability c. disaster risk d. risk assessment
12. The potential disaster losses in lives, health statuses, livelihoods, assets,
and services, which could occur in a particular community or a society
over some specified future time period is called _______________.
a. disaster risk c. disaster preparedness
b. disaster mitigation d. disaster prevention
13. Disaster has a great impact on __________________.
a. buildings b. garden c. humanity d. Parks
14. Which of the following is a product of the massive damages to life and
property caused by a hazard due to the vulnerability within a community?
a. destruction b. disaster c. disaster risk d. vulnerability
15. Disaster risk can be determined by the presence of the following elements
of Disaster EXCEPT _______________.
a. phenomenon c. vulnerability to a hazard
b. coping capacity d. hazard (natural or man-made)

Lesson
1 What is Disaster and
Disaster Risk?
In this module, the learners will hold an understanding about disaster
and develop a firm grasp of a very crucial factor that has direct bearing on
disaster and disaster risk.

4
What’s In

Philippines: A Country Prone to Natural Disasters

The Philippines has experienced from an inexhaustible number of deadly

earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and other natural disasters. This is due to its
location along the Ring of Fire, a large Pacific Ocean region where many volcanic
eruptions and earthquakes occur.

Activity 1: “Count Me In”

Direction: Write five (5) disastrous events in the Philippines in the last five years
that you could still recall. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. _____________________________________
2. _____________________________________
3. _____________________________________
4. _____________________________________
5. _____________________________________

What’s New

5
Activity 1.1 Understanding Disaster

Instructions: Analyze the given images and answer the given questions below:
1. In two to three sentences, describe the given images.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. List down the disasters that you can identify from the images.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

What is It

6
 IT’S A DISASTER

Disaster is "a sudden, calamitous occurrence that causes great harm,

injury, destruction, and devastation to life and property”. It disrupts the usual
course of life, causing both physical and emotional distress such as an intense
feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. A preceding definition of disaster
stresses that two elements are affected – life (whether human or animal) and
property. The effects vary – it maybe a minor damage (like broken windows and
doors), major damage (like torn rooftops, collapsed walls), total destruction (like
completely destroyed houses and structures rendering them useless and
inhabitable) and the worst scenario, it can lead to death. (Asian Disaster
Preparedness Center, ADPC, 2012)

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2008), disaster

is “a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society involving
widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses and impacts,
which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its
own resources”.
Any adverse episode or phenomenon can exploit a vulnerability in the
affected population or community to create damage and this awareness will form
the basis for an adequate intervention.

Meanwhile, the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster

Reduction defines disaster as a serious disruption of the functioning of a
community or a society involving widespread human, material, economic or
environmental losses and impacts, which exceeds the ability of the affected
community or society to cope using its own resources.

Disasters are often a result of the combination of: the exposure to a

hazard; the conditions of vulnerability that are present; and insufficient capacity
or measures to reduce or cope with the potential negative consequences.

Its impacts may include loss of life, injury, disease and other negative
effects on human physical, mental, and social wellbeing, together with damage
to properties, destruction of assets, loss of services, social and economic
disruptions, and environmental degradation.
Mahar, Patrick, et.al, “Disasters and their Effects on the Population: Key Concepts,” Accessed (01
June 2020), https://www.aap.org/en-us/Documents/disasters_dpac_PEDsModule1.pdf

7
 Image 1. Different kinds of Natural Disasters

Classification of Disasters:

Disasters can be divided into 2 large categories:

A. Natural Disasters – a natural phenomenon is caused by natural

forces, such as earthquakes, typhoon, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, fires,
tornados, and extreme temperatures. They can be classified as rapid onset
disasters and those with progressive onset, such as droughts that lead to
famine. These events, usually sudden, can have tremendous effects.
B. Man-made - Disasters caused by man are those in which major direct
causes are identifiable intentional or non-intentional human actions.

Subdivided into three categories:

1. Technological/industrial disasters - Unregulated industrialization and
inadequate safety standards increase the risk for industrial disasters.

EXAMPLE: leaks of hazardous materials; accidental explosions; bridge or

road collapses, or vehicle collisions; Power cuts

2. Terrorism/Violence - the threat of terrorism has also increased due to

the spread of technologies involving nuclear, biological, and chemical
agents used to develop weapons of mass destruction.
8
 EXAMPLE : bombs or explosions; release of chemical materials; release of
biological agents; release of radioactive agents; multiple or massive
shootings; mutinies
3. Complex humanitarian emergencies - the term complex emergency is
usually used to describe the humanitarian emergency resulting from an
international or civil war. In such situations, large numbers of people are
displaced from their homes due to the lack of personal safety and the
disruption of basic infrastructure including food distribution, water,
electricity, and sanitation, or communities are left stranded and isolated
in their own homes unable to access assistance.

EXAMPLE: conflicts or wars and Genocide the deliberate killing of a large

group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation

“Disasters and their Effects on the Population: Key Concepts,”, Accessed on 02 June
2020, pages 7-10, https://www.aap.org/en-us/Documents/disasters_
dpac_PEDsModule1. pdf .

The damage caused by disaster cannot be measured. It also differs with

the kind of geographical location, climate, earth’s specific characteristics, and
level of vulnerability. These determining factors affect generally the
psychological, socio – economic, political, and ethnical state of the affected area.

Risk and Disaster Risk

Risk has various connotations within different disciplines. In general, risk
is defined as “the combination of the probability of an event and its negative
consequences” (UNISDR, 2009). The term risk is thus multidisciplinary and is
used in a variety of contexts. It is usually associated with the degree to which
humans cannot cope (lack of capacity) with a situation (e.g. natural hazard).
The term disaster risk refers to the potential (not actual and realized)
disaster losses, in lives, health status, livelihoods, assets, and services which
could occur in a community or society over some specified future time period.
Disaster risk is the product of the possible damage caused by a hazard
due to the vulnerability within a community. It should be noted that the effect of
a hazard (of a particular magnitude) would affect communities differently (Von
Kotze, 1999:35).

9
 It can also be determined by the presence of three variables: hazards
(natural or anthropogenic); vulnerability to a hazard; and coping capacity linked
to the reduction, mitigation, and resilience to the vulnerability of a community.

What’s More

Activity 1.2 FIX ME!!!

Instruction: Arranged the given jumbled letters to identify the correct
terminology. The definition will help you to derive the correct answer. Answering
this activity will develop your visual and analysis skills. Write your answer in
your answer sheet.

JUMBLED LETTERS DEFINITION

1. RTAIESSD A sudden calamitous event, bringing great
damage, loss, destruction, and devastation.
2. GRNI FO IEFR A path along the Pacific Ocean characterized
by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
3. TALAYMIC An event causing great and often sudden
damage or distress.
4. AQRHTEKEAU Shaking of earth caused by waves moving on
and below the earth's surface.
5. ICNLOVAC IPREOUTN When lava and gas are discharged from a
volcanic vent.
6. CFCPIAI NEAOC Largest and deepest of Earth's oceanic
divisions.
7. OOYNHPT Type of tropical cyclone, or severe tropical
storm.
A natural event such as a flood, earthquake,
8. LTARUNA RTAIESDS or hurricane that causes great damage or loss
of life.
9. ETUTODSRCIN A sudden or great misfortune or failure.
Caused by man are those in which major
10. NMA EDMA RESTSAID direct causes are identifiable intentional or
non-intentional human actions.

10
Activity 1.3 Understanding Natural and Man-Made Disaster
Direction: Identify the given set of images if it is Natural or Man Made. Put your
answer on the blank space below each picture.

Classifying Disaster
(Natural or Man-Made)

"Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines" by “Military convoy" by chelmonette is

ochacolombia is licensed under CC BY- licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
NC-ND 2.0
________________________________ ________________________________

11
 "File:Ezra Acayan Mayon pic.jpg" by "Toxic Metal Barrel" by azzajess is
Ezra Acayan, licensed under CC BY-SA licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
4.0
________________________________ ________________________________

"Motor Vehicle Accident at Clinton and "6.0 Magnitude Earthquake in the City
Lafayette Ave" by cisc1970 is licensed of Napa" by Cal OES is licensed under
under CC BY-NC 2.0 CC BY-NC 2.0

_______________________________ _______________________________

Guide Question:
Based on the presented images, how will you differentiate natural from
manmade disasters? Explain your answer in 2-3 sentences. Write your answer
on a separate sheet of paper.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
12
___________________________________________________________________________
Given the table, give a natural disaster you experienced within your locality or
you had heard from the news recently. What makes it a natural disaster?
1. Give a man-made disaster you experienced within your locality or you had
heard from the news recently.

Natural Disaster Man-made Disaster

Activity 1.4 Understanding Disaster Risk

Direction: In this activity, you must identify the classification of disaster as well
as the disaster risk of a given disaster situations. Accomplish the table below.
Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Classification of Disaster Risks

Disasters Disaster (Effects)
(Natural or Man-Made)
1. typhoon
2. war conflicts
3. volcanic eruption
4. chemical leakages
5. vehicular accident
6. earthquake
7. drought
8. thunderstorms
9. tuberculosis
10. rainfall-induced
landslide
11. floods in rivers and
coastal areas
13
12. avalanche
13. tsunami
14. bomb explosion
15. house
Stop and Reflect
Now review your previous Activity number 1.3 and 1.4. Do you think the
given ideas/concepts are clear for you to understand different kinds of
disasters that the country has experienced including its disaster risks?
Agree or Disagree?

What I Have Learned

Exit Ticket
Have you learned so much from this module? What are the three
things that you learned today? What are the two things you found
interesting?

3 Things I learned Today 1. _______________________________________

2. _______________________________________
3. ________________________________________

2 Things I Found Interesting 1. ____________________________________

2. ____________________________________
1 Question I have 1. ________________________________________

14
 What I Can Do
Now that you’ve already learned and understand the lesson focusing on disaster
and disaster risk, it’s time to work to demonstrate your learning. Are you ready?
Sure, you are!
Activity 1.5 Am I Ready?
Directions: Answer the given question. Write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper.
Do you think you are relatively well prepared when a disaster might affect your
community either natural or man-made as well as to its effects? List down five
(5) important things that you need to prepare in order to lessen the possible
danger that you and your family might encounter when a disaster strike. Explain
your answers briefly and write it on your answer sheet.
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________________

Assessment
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet
of paper.
1. Which of the following is a sudden, calamitous event, bringing great damage,
loss, destruction, and devastation to life and property?
a. disaster b. hazard c. phenomenon d. risk
2. A natural disaster can be a _____________ .
a. phenomenon c. technological/industrial issues
b. terrorism/Violence d. complex humanitarian emergencies
3. All of the following are the effects of disasters EXCEPT ___________
a. can destroy health infrastructure
b. can cause an unexpected number of deaths
c. can have adverse effects on the environment
d. can cause the ability of every specie to reproduce
15
4. It is also called as the Circum-Pacific belt, the zone of earthquakes
surrounding the Pacific Ocean where about 99% of the world’s earthquake
occurs.
a. drought c. subsidence
b. ring of fire d. Bermuda Triangle
5. Which of the following is NOT an example of man-caused hazard?
a. mutiny b. genocide c. earthquake d. bombs or explosions
6. It is defined as the source of danger and something that may cause injury or
harm. It is also the uncertain course of events in a country.
a. disaster b. hazard c. risk d. phenomenon
7. Which of the following category is a man-made hazard?
a. storm surges c. Landslide on Mining sites
b. flooded coastal areas d. Oil Spills from shipping boat
8. Which of the following is NOT included in the phases of disaster?
a. recovery phase c. emergency phase
b. planning phase d. preparedness phase
9. A natural disaster where sea waves of local or distant origin that results from
large-scale seafloor displacements associated with large earthquakes, major
submarine slides, or exploring volcanic hazards is called _______
a. earthquake b. flood c. tsunami d. typhoon
10. During the initial stage of a disaster, almost all surface means of transportation
within the community are disrupted by broken bridges, roads, and streets that
are rendered impassable by landslides or floods. The restricted mobility of
vehicles makes rescue and other emergency operations doubly difficult. What is
this impact/ effect of disaster?
a. economic impact c. damage to critical facilities
b. social and political impact d. disruption of transportation
11. Which of the following variables will NOT determine the elements in identifying
disaster risk?
a. coping capacity c. vulnerability to a hazard
b. population explosion d. hazard (natural or man-made)
12. There are many impacts of Disaster, on what impact it will fall if a person is
suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome?
a. physical wellbeing impact c. social wellbeing impact
b. mental wellbeing impact d. none of the above
13. Erica is outside the building. Which action should she do when she feels the
ground is shaking?
a. Stay away from trees, powerlines, post and concrete structures.
b. Move away from steep slopes which may be affected by landslides.
c. If near the shore and feel and earthquake, especially if it’s too strong,
move quickly to higher grounds.
16
 d. All of the above.
14. The potential disaster losses in lives, health statuses, livelihoods, assets, and
services, which could occur in a particular community or a society over some
specified future time period is called _______________.
a. disaster risk c. disaster prevention
b. disaster mitigation d. disaster preparedness
15. Disaster has a great impact on which of the following aspect?
a. Bacteria b. Human c. Invention d. Technology

Additional Activities
Activity 1.6 The Search is Over
Direction: Search and encircle among the jumble of letters the key terms in the
definition of disaster according to the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center. You
should find nine (9) key terms.
Y N H E R M L B V C X A S T R A I C K Y
G Y R O S C O P I N N X I P L U C K Y S
O U R S I E B I L O S S E R O S A R I O
D E V A S T A T I O N O U O L A L M E N
S E E D L I N G F O R T E P L A A N K G
D I S E L I E G E V E N T E M E M R I T
Y A C T I E V T E N M I O R T A I N O U
X A N A R O U S F O R M U T O I T I O Z
C H A N E U R S E Y R O S Y O U O M I D
F U L L I A C A N N O T M O V E U P S Y
D R I V E N S T O W A R D E S T S W E T
H O S P I T A K I T S D A M A G E M E N
T S U D D E N D E O N T R K X U T O P Y
T Y N D A K O L Q I N U T T I E S D R O
Once your word hunt is complete, use the key terms to define Disaster. Your
definition should be a restatement/paraphrase of the definition by the Asian
Disaster Preparedness Center.
1. ______________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________

17
4. ______________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________
6. ______________________________________________________________
7. ______________________________________________________________
8. ______________________________________________________________
9. ______________________________________________________________

Answer Key

18
19
20