MARY JOY C.

BANARES

BSTM 1-B

DISASTER
RESEARCH ABOUT DIFFERENT TYPES OF DISASTER

Natural and human-caused disasters affect thousands of people each year. Major adverse events such as
these have the potential to cause catastrophic loss of life and physical destruction. They are often
unexpected and can leave whole communities in shock.

People who live through a disaster can experience emotional distress. Feelings of anxiety, constant
worrying, trouble sleeping, and other depression-like symptoms are common responses to disasters
before, during, and after the event. Many people are able to “bounce back” from disasters with help from
family and the community, but others may need additional support to cope and move forward on the path
of recovery. Anyone can be at risk, including survivors living in the impacted areas and first responders
and recovery workers.

Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are large-scale geological or meteorological events that have the potential
to cause loss of life or property. These types of disasters include:

 Tornadoes and Severe Storms

 Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
 Floods
 Wildfires
 Earthquakes
 Drought

Severe storms and floods are the most common types of natural disasters reported in the
United States. These meteorological events are occasionally preceded by presidential
“emergency declarations” requiring state and local planning prior to the event, such as
evacuations and protection of public assets. Disaster Distress Helpline staff are available to
speak to those who call or text before, during, and after a natural disaster.

Human-caused Disasters
Examples include industrial accidents, shootings, acts of terrorism, and incidents of mass
violence. As with natural disasters, these types of traumatic events may also cause loss of
life and property. They may also prompt evacuations from certain areas and overwhelm
behavioral health resources in the affected communities.
In the aftermath of the tragic loss of life that occurred on September 11, 2001, the feelings
of loss of security and well-being—arguably the most crucial ingredients for leading a
happy, healthy life—dramatically affected the citizens of the United States. Disaster Distress
Helpline staff are also trained to respond to calls or texts related to these types of disasters.

 Incidents of Mass Violence

Other Incidents of Mass Trauma

Infectious disease outbreaks, incidents of community unrest, and other types of traumatic
events can also bring out strong emotions in people.
The outbreak of Ebola affecting several countries in West Africa, with limited reported cases
in the United States and other countries, may lead to feelings of anxiety and confusion,
even to the point where it can interfere with one’s regular routine. Community upheaval,
such as that seen in Ferguson, Mo., can also impact emotional health. News reports and
the 24-hour news cycle can make people even more anxious when these kinds of events
occur.
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides immediate crisis counseling to people affected by
traumatic events. SAMHSA also has a number of resources for people affected by the Ebola
outbreak and incidents of community unrest, including:

 Coping with Grief After Community Violence – 2014

 Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks – 2014
 Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series Collection: Ebola Outbreak
 Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious
Disease Outbreaks – 2014

The SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC)also helps states, territories,
tribes, and local entities deliver an effective mental health and substance abuse (behavioral
health) response to disasters and traumatic events. Learn more about these issues and find
more disaster-related resources at Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/disaster-types

WHAT IS DISASTER?

A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a

community or society and causes human, material, and economic or environmental
losses that exceed the community’s or society’s ability to cope using its own resources.
Though often caused by nature, disasters can have human origins.
A disaster occurs when a hazard impacts on vulnerable people.
The combination of hazards, vulnerability and inability to reduce the potential negative
consequences of risk results in disaster.
https://www.ifrc.org/en/what-we-do/disaster-management/about-disasters/what-is-a-disaster/

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters.
That is, to predict and - where possible - prevent disasters, mitigate their impact on vulnerable
populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences, at local, national and
international levels. DP is central to the work of the every individual National Society and
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

This work, key to development, essentially involves reducing the vulnerability of households and
communities in disaster-prone areas and improving their ability to cope with the effects of disasters;
strengthening the capacities of National Societies in disaster preparedness and post-disaster
response; determining a National Society role and mandate in national disaster plans; and
establishing regional networks of National Societies that will strengthen the Federation’s collective
impact in disaster preparedness and response at the international level.

DP provides an opportunity to design effective, realistic and coordinated planning, reduces

duplication of efforts and increases the overall effectiveness of disaster preparedness activities by
National Societies, households and community members. DP efforts can help minimize the impact of
disasters on communities and also result in saving more lives and safeguarding livelihoods during
any disaster situation and enable the affected population to return to a normal lifestyle within a short
time period. The IFRC supports the strengthening of DP at different levels.

Disaster preparedness is a continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide range of risk
reduction activities and resources rather than from a distinct sectoral activity by itself. It requires the
contributions of many different areas - ranging from training and logistics, to health care, recovery,
livelihood to institutional development. Viewed from this broad perspective Disaster preparedness
encompasses:

• Recognizing the Red Cross/Red Crescent role in disaster preparedness as complementary to

government and thus will not replace state responsibilities. In addition, the National Society should
engage in debate with the government on the focus and nature of the National Response Plan and
encourage the assignment of a clear role and responsibilities to the National Society, supported by
appropriate legislation.

• Increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of disaster response mechanisms at the
community, national and Federation level. This includes:
- the development and regular testing of warning systems (linked to forecasting systems) and plans
for evacuation or other measures to be taken during a disaster alert period to minimise potential loss
of life, livelihoods and physical damage.
- the education and training of volunteers, staff and the population at risk
- the training of first-aid and disaster response teams
- the establishment of disaster response policies, standards, organizational arrangements and
operational plans to be followed after a disaster.

• Strengthening community-based disaster preparedness through National Society programmes for

the community or through direct support of the community's own activity. This could include
educating, preparing and supporting local populations and communities in their everyday efforts to
reduce risks and prepare their own local response mechanisms to address disaster emergency
situations.

• Raising awareness of disaster hazards through public education, encouraging vulnerable people to
take preventative and mitigating actions where possible before disaster strikes. Ensure that the
Knowledge from prediction and early warning systems can be accessed, understood and acted upon
by local communities.

Disaster preparedness is achieved partially through readiness measures that expedite Disaster
response, rehabilitation and recovery and result in rapid, timely and targeted assistance. It is also
achieved through community-based approaches and activities that build the capacities of people and
communities to cope with and minimize the effects of a disaster on their lives.

A comprehensive disaster preparedness strategy would therefore include the following elements:

1. Hazard, risk and vulnerability assessments

2. Response mechanisms and strategies
3. Preparedness plans
4. Coordination
5. Information management
6. Early warning systems
7. Resource mobilization
8. Public education, training,& Drills and simulations
9. Community-Based disaster preparedness

Community-based disaster preparedness incorporates the concept of building on and using local
knowledge and resources in order to improve a population’s capacity to withstand the impact of
disasters. As first responders to a disaster (i.e., search and rescue teams and the provision of
emergency treatment and relief), communities need to be equipped to manage with the
consequences of small-, medium- and large-scale natural hazards when they strike.

The work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent at the community level is paramount in addressing
and being able to respond to vulnerabilities at the most direct level. Community preparedness
activities should include an analysis of risks, vulnerability and capacities (VCA). Early warning
systems should be accessible and understood by local communities, who can then act on warnings.
Public awareness and public education campaigns, organization and training of community disaster
response teams, and the development and testing of community response plans through simulations
are all actions that empower communities in the face of disasters.

To effectively support community level programming and scale up activities National Societies’
capacities must also reinforced. This includes strengthening the capacities of National Societies in
disaster preparedness and post-disaster response, determining the role and mandate of the National
Society in national disaster plans, and establishing regional networks of National Societies that can
support each other in times of disaster.
National Society capacities can be further reinforced through the establishment of National Disaster
Preparedness and Response Mechanisms. These include: self-assessment process (WPNS),
standard operating procedures, response and contingency plans, drills and simulations, logistics pre-
agreement, volunteer disaster response teams, among others.

https://www.preparecenter.org/topics/disaster-preparedness

COMMON TYPE OF DISASTER

Heat Waves
Heat Waves are brought on by incredibly hot weather mixed in with unbearable humidity, for
good measure. The eastern United States are typically hit with scorching humidity, which starts
in the Gulf of Mexico, combined with hot air masses from Mexico's desert. As recently as March
2012, an intense heat wave broke temperature records across the country. While heat wave-
related deaths are lower in the U.S. compared to the rest of the world, even minor heat waves
have been the cause of dozens of deaths per year.
Drought
Droughts have plagued the U.S. in the past, most famously in the "dust bowl." Severe droughts
affect the country's farming industry. Droughts are still such a common problem that the
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) was enacted in 2006 to forecast and
warn states of droughts. Starting that same year, California suffered through a five-year drought.
This is just one of the dozen major droughts that took place over the last decade.
Floods
Floods are surprisingly one of the most common natural disasters. Floods do not play favorites in
terms of where they lay. They are also rank among the highest in terms of property damage. The
after-effects of Hurricane Katrina led to the floods in Mississippi and Louisiana, where 1,836
people lost their lives and many more lost their homes and businesses. Sometimes flooding
occurs in unusual locations, like when Colorado was afflicted by a long-lasting flood during
September 2013.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are not as widely reported as they once were. This may be due to their seismic
strength or location. If you were to hear about an earthquake in California, you may think, "It
must be Tuesday." In the past five years, the United States was hit with an average of four
earthquakes a year ranging over a 5.5 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes may be common for
Californians, but they surprise other states like Alabama and Illinois on occasion as well.
Thankfully, the loss of life due to Earthquakes in the United States has been minimal.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are more damaging and dangerous than you'd expect. An estimated 10,000 severe
thunderstorms hit the Midwest and Central United States per year. High winds can cause massive
damage to homes, signs and businesses. Hail damages crops and has the potential of seriously
injuring anyone unlucky to be outside during a hailstorm. Lightning itself causes about 80
fatalities per year, and lead to our next natural disaster.
Wildfire
Wildfires, also known as brush fires and forest fires, are known for their size and speed of
ignition. These commonly destroy several thousands of acres in just a few days. These fires are
quite common in the western United States. California has seen more than its fair share recently
and other dry states like New Mexico, Nevada and Utah expect multiple wildfires each summer.
Winter Weather
Snow and Ice are all too common along the Great Lakes states and the northeastern states. Ice
Storms and Blizzards hit with the combination of high wind speeds, blinding snow and several
days of nonstop snowfall. It doesn't take much ice to affect traffic, airports and general daily life
as evidence in the Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011. Total damages from that three-day storm
were valued at $1 billion.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes favor the United States more than any other country. This is one thing we wish we
didn't lead the world in. The hardest hit areas are definitely in Tornado Alley: Kansas, Nebraska,
Iowa, Missouri and South Dakota. However, that doesn't mean tornadoes only affect that area. In
November 2013, around 80 tornadoes hit the Midwest and arrived in Illinois, taking everyone by
surprise.
Volcanoes
Volcanic eruption doesn't sound like a large threat. However, in the past 100 years, there have
been around three dozen eruptions from volcanoes in the United States alone. One of the most
memorable recent volcanic activity was the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in Washington on May 18,
1980. Volcanoes don't seem like a huge threat, considering most of them lie dormant, but they
can quickly cause immense damage and destruction. The majority of these volcanoes lie along
the western coast, Alaska's coast and Hawaii. People living on the east coast should feel safe
about Volcanoes, but perhaps not about our next disaster.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes and cyclones form over the ocean while evaporating water from the ocean into its
saturated clouds. Fortunately, these storms don't always make landfall, but their destructive paths
are closely watched each summer along the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast. An average of
15 to 20 major hurricanes per decade hit the coastal regions of the U.S., causing a tremendous
amount of damage to homes, businesses and the environment.
While there may not be a perfect, safe place to live in the United States, the important thing is to
know what disasters commonly affects the area where you live and how you should respond in
an emergency situation.

https://www.toptenreviews.com/the-10-most-common-natural-disasters-in-the-us