Defenition Disaster

Question 1

What is the definition of ‘Disaster’ according to the course?

Answer 1

• An extreme phenomenon
• Of great intensity and limited duration (so not always)
• Occurring at a certain location (so not everywhere)
• Involving a complex interplay between physical and human systems
• Causing loss of lives and threats to public health, as well as physical damage and disruption of livelihood systems and society
• Outstripping local capacities and resources

Question 2

What is the classification of different hazards?

Answer 2

• Hydro-meteorological hazards: droughts, famines, extreme heat, floods, fires, windstorms
• Geo-physical hazards: avalanches/landslides, earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruptions

Question 3

What is a danger?

Answer 3

Danger: an event or a natural characteristic that implies a risk for human beings; individual or collective harm  potential

Question 4

What is a risk?

Answer 4

Risk: The degree of exposure to danger  probable. Example: A reef on a map is a danger, but its only a risk to those who sail there

Question 5

What is a disaster?

Answer 5

Disaster: Consequence of a danger, the actualization of the risk. Known for their centrality; A total breakdown of everyday functioning takes place, with the disappearance of normal social functioning. - Disasters are political events – disaster diplomacy

Question 6

What is Scapegoating disaster?

Answer 6

Burden or guilt is often put on specific group or person who is said to be responsible (e.g. human induced disasters). Scapegoating is not a means for finding and assigning responsibility. It is a means of avoiding finding and assigning true responsibility