DISASTER

READINESS
AND RISK
REDUCTION
EXPOSURE
AND
VULNERABI
LITY
 EXPOSURE AND VULNERABILITY
In 2016, the Philippines is ranked as the third country with very high disaster
risk based on the World Health Index calculated for the United Nations
University Institute for Environment and Human Security . This is an
infamous recognition of the Philippines as a disaster-stricken country. On
average, there are 22 tropical depressions that hit the country though not all of
those bring disaster. There are also earthquakes that hit the country hard, most
recently in 2013 and 2016. The Visayas region was greatly affected and many
properties and infrastructures were destroyed. On the other hand, the
northernmost province of Batanes has been known as the crossroad of
typhoons, but every time a typhoon hits this province it always registers zero
casualties. From the data on the Philippines and the case of Batanes, what
could be the factors that make an area experience or prevent disaster?
LESSO
N1
Vulnerability
INTRODUCTION
All communities that are near the coast may be
exposed to storm surges and tsunamis. However,
each community have different levels of
vulnerability to those kinds of hazards. How is
vulnerability different from exposure?
 Vulnerability

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) (formerly United Nations
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction or UNISDR) which was established in
1999 has the mandate to be the main coordinator of the United Nations system on its
disaster reduction activities. The UNDRR is one of the leading authorities in disaster risk
reduction and management (DRRM). UNIDRR also released a list of terminologies related
to DRRM and updates it from time to time. UNDRR in its 2014 list of terminologies
defines vulnerability as a set of “characteristics and circumstances, system, or assets that
make it susceptible to the damaging effects of hazards.”
 Vulnerability

Vulnerability is one of the determinants of the effects and impacts of hazards. If the
experiences of a certain community to typhoons have a long history of disasters and failed
response, it could learn from it and change its ways of life. Vulnerability affects how
people live, their resources, and their capacity to address hazards.
 Vulnerability

Vulnerability can also be defined as lack of power to be safe in times of disasters.

Disasters might affect the whole country or community, but its effects and impacts vary.
These variations or levels of vulnerability depend on wealth, education, gender, age, and
other cultural and social conditions.
 Factors
Affecting
Vulnerability
Categories of
Vulnerability
 Types of
Vulnerability
PHYSICAL VULNERABILITY
Physical vulnerability pertains to potential damages a hazard can do to
physical structures including buildings, houses, and transportation systems
(roads, railways, airports, and seaports). It can also affect lifelines or critical
facilities that are needed to sustain the life of a community, like power and
water supplies, and telecommunications facilities. The physical environment
can also be considered— devastated agricultural lands will affect food supply
and contribute more to vulnerabilities of the already vulnerable sectors of
society.
SOCIAL VULNERABILITY
Social vulnerability is defined as “the people’s capacity to anticipate, cope
with, resist and recover from impacts of natural hazards” (Wisher, et al.
2004). There are many factors affecting the social vulnerability of a certain
community or group such as economic status, ethnicity, gender, age,
religion, and disability. Powerful people might not be vulnerable to
hazards because they are equipped and prepared, while the poor is more
vulnerable because of their living conditions, the environment they live in,
and their access to certain services of the government. This is where
marginalization takes place, when a certain sector of society is excluded from
getting the basic social services in times of disasters.
LESSO
N2
Vulnerability of Sector of
Society to Disaster
INTRODUCTION
The level of suffering in times of disaster differ
among different sectors of society. Which sector of
the society suffers the most during a disaster
occurrence? Why are some sectors of society more
vulnerable than others?
 As a tropical country and due to its geographical location, the Philippines is exposed to
different types of hazards, like typhoons. When a tropical cyclone hits a specific
community, the degree or level of vulnerability varies due to some factors that might affect
the capacity and resiliency of different sectors of society.
 The level of vulnerability to a typhoon of illegal settlements in the seaside area is higher
than those settlements located in higher places and gated communities. Poverty is a
significant factor in vulnerability and capacity, but it does not necessarily mean that
low-income families are always vulnerable to hazards. Susceptibility to hazard increases
due to lack of education and training on disaster preparedness. Communities living in rural
areas do not have easy access to information available about disaster readiness and risk
reduction.
 Factors may
Affect Different
Sector of
Society
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTOR

Socio-economic status or wealth plays a vital role

on why some sectors of society are more
vulnerable than others. Rich or developed
countries do not suffer as much relative to
developing nations when a natural hazard
occurs. Disasters might affect the supply of food
and other essential commodities and services
of a country.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTOR

The same is true to families whose houses are not

compliant to the National Building Code of the
Philippines (materials, structure, ventilation,
sanitation, and others). When a strong earthquake
hits their location, their houses are more likely to
be affected or destroyed. While families that
reside in a structurally sound concrete homes or
high-rise condominium, have lesser vulnerability
during earthquakes, fires, or typhoon.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTOR

There are also families that have the budget to

buy first aid kits and stock necessary supplies
(food and clothing) that they might need during
and after a disaster, while the others cannot even
purchase food thrice a day because of their
everyday financial struggle.
 SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTOR
Government and other non-governmental civic organizations
education programs and activities lessen the impacts or
effects of disasters. The quarterly National Simultaneous
Earthquake Drill (NSED) of the Office of Civil Defense
(OCD) together with other government agencies and local
government units like the Bureau of Fire Protection,
Municipal/City/Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Office, and other relevant agencies help
improve the level of awareness and preparedness of
communities when disaster happens. Government
agencies also have the primary task of ensuring a safe and
resilient environment and community. They are responsible
for planning and creating measures to lessen the impact of
disasters on the cities.
 SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTOR
The movement of people from one place to another is
called migration. This shift can be due to different
factors, and displacement also affects the level of
vulnerability of people. Migrants, refugees, and
internally-displaced persons (IDP) do not receive the
same response and relief from the government.
Typically these types of people suffer most when
disaster strikes because of their unfamiliarity on
their current place of settlement.
 SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTOR
During the Zamboanga siege, the more than two
hundred thousand internally-displaced people of
Zamboanga were forced to stay in unprepared
evacuation sites. Tents were the primary form of shelter
for these people. When a typhoon hit these evacuation
sites, majority of these tents were damaged and even
destroyed. It created a broader and more extensive
problem that the government had to address.
 SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTOR
In the case of migrants, due to their unfamiliarity when
disaster strikes, they may be unaware of the places such
as where to ask for help and whom to ask for help.
There are instances when the host country prioritizes
their citizens before they extend relief to migrants.
 DEMOGRAPHIC
Factors Settlement patterns and population density that
is both associated with urbanization increase
vulnerability to disaster risk. Rapid urbanization
comes with ballooning of population. It has increased
the number of people exposed and vulnerable to
disaster risk. Due to its rapidness, unplanned
development and poor infrastructure pose a serious
threat.
 DEMOGRAPHIC
Urbanization attracts people from surrounding areas
making it more difficult for the government to provide
adequate resources and training to increase capacity
and prevent disasters. Rural and small communities
also have high vulnerability because of lack of
resources. Government budget for rural communities is
smaller than for urban areas.
 DEMOGRAPHIC
Age of population or the number of young and seniors
living in communities is also a prime factor in
determining the level of vulnerability. These groups are
more vulnerable because of their inability to respond
and cope with disasters. They require more attention
from the government and society during emergencies.
In a typical evacuation scenario, the first to be
evacuated are women, children, and the elderly.
People who also suffer from illness are also vulnerable
and need immediate attention during emergencies.
 DEMOGRAPHIC

Social groups such as the marginalized (groups

excluded or underrepresented in planning and
decision-making) are those discriminated during
the post-disaster rescue, relief operations,
recovery, and rehabilitation efforts.
 The following are the most commonly identified
marginalized or excluded groups in times of emergencies:

MENTALLY &
RACIAL/
PREGNANT PHYSICALLY
ETHNIC
WOMEN CHALLENGED
MONICITY
INDIVIDUAL

TOURIST MIGRANTS PRISONERS

 DEMOGRAPHIC
These groups of people are not biologically
excluded but separated through socially
constructed barriers. For example, after a
typhoon hit a coastal community, the pregnant
women and the elderly were left in evacuation
centers for care and medical assistance. During
typhoon Haiyan “Yolanda” a jail breakout of the
inmates was reported in Leyte Provincial Jail.
This breakout was done to save their lives.
LESSO
N3
Vulnerability of Certain
Structures to Hazards
INTRODUCTION
A particular building can be considered prone to
disaster. Quality and standard are always related to
construction to ensure the safety of people. How
does a structure’s quality affect its vulnerability?
 Aside from people and communities, it is also essential to understand the degree of
vulnerability of physical structures. Here are three primary concepts that one should
know before directly discussing the vulnerability of physical structures. This concerns
houses, buildings, roads, bridges, dams, seawalls, and other public and private
infrastructures:
01
These structures are building-code compliant.
These are designed, planned, and built by
competent structural engineers and architects.
These constructions also followed the process
of securing a building permit, thus ensuring the
compliance with safety standards that can
withstand earthquakes and other similar
hazards.
02
These structures are designed by incompetent
engineers and architects, meaning they do not
have a building permit. In the same manner,
they also do not follow the safety standards of
building construction.
03
These buildings or houses are mainly constructed
by their respective owners with the guidance of a
head-mason or master-carpenter who probably lack
knowledge and competent skills on making
earthquake-proof buildings. Just like non-
engineered constructions, these types of
developments or structures do not have the
necessary building permit and do not follow safety
standards for buildings and houses.
There are two main types of vulnerability in physical structures:

• STRUCTURAL VULNERABILITY
• NON – STRUCTURAL VULNERABILITY
 01

This pertains to structural integrity or

elements of a building and is composed of
the following:
LOCATION
It primarily dictates the type and degree of
vulnerability of the structure. If the building is
built on the slopes or sides of the mountains, it is
more vulnerable to landslides than those
buildings situated on the plains.
NUMBER OF
SURROUNDING
BUILDING
The vibration of neighboring buildings might
affect its strength and durability especially if the
surrounding buildings are older and weaker,
much more if they are non-engineered ones.
NUMBER OF
STORIES
Vulnerability increases when height increases.
SHAPE
Complex shapes (e.g., L-shape, Y-shape, H-
shape, etc.) increase the building’s vulnerability
to damage and destruction during an earthquake.
SYMMETRY
Symmetrical planned structures as well as in
elevations (both directions) perform much better
than an asymmetrical building during an
earthquake.
AGE OF BUILDING
While other buildings 50 years and above still
stands today, there are also old buildings that
pose hazards to occupants and surrounding
houses or buildings. Majority of these old
structures are churches that are more vulnerable
to earthquakes.
TYPOLOGY

Materials used to build these structures also affect

the degree of its vulnerability.
ALTERATION
An original nine-story building that was altered
and was added additional floor is more
vulnerable to an earthquake because its structural
frame was designed for only nine-stories.
MAINTENANCE
If owners poorly manage the building, eventually
it will become more vulnerable because the
unseen deterioration of interior and structural
frames.
 02

This pertains to other parts of a house or

building that was not designed or planned
with a structural engineer:
WALL CEILING
LIGHT FIXTURES DOORS AND
FRAMES
ELECTRICAL MECHANICAL
EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT
PLUMBING ELECTRICAL
INSTALLATION
Aside from these two main physical structures that are vulnerable to disaster risk, there are
also critical facilities in a community that are vulnerable in times of emergencies. These
facilities play important roles in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation:
HOSPITAL
WATER SUPPLY FACILITIES
ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION
FACILITIES
TELECOMMUNICATION
LINES
TRANSPORTION HUBS SUCH
AS AIRPORTS, SEAPORTS,
ROAD, RAILS AND BRIDGES
SCHOOLS THAT SERVE AS
EVACUATION AREAS/
CENTER
LESSO
N4
Elements Exposed to
Hazards
INTRODUCTION
In a certain area, people and structures can both be
affected by the hazards that are present. What are
the different elements exposed to hazards?
EXPOSU
RE
 Exposure can be described as the situation of communities
including its people, residences, infrastructure, and economic
resources that are located in areas that are hazard-prone
(UNISDR, 2017). If a typhoon with heavy rainfall hits a
residential area, they may be affected by the flood. Exposure
varies from location and the presence of hazards in the area. The
exposure of the communities around an active Mayon volcano
located in Legazpi, Albay in Bicol Region is different from those
who live in the mountains of Mindanao.
EXPOSUR
E DRIVER
Urbanization and the creation of major cities make people and other
sectors of society concentrated in areas exposed to hazards due
population growth, migration, urbanization and economic
development (UNISDR, 2009). Previous disasters can drive
exposure by forcing people from their lands and to increasingly
unsafe areas. Economic opportunities are most likely the reason
why people choose to live in many hazard-prone areas, such as
floodplains, coastlines, and the urban regions of a country. Other
cultural and religious significance of a place is also one of the
reasons why some communities still reside in hazard-prone areas.
 Overpopulation as well as urban development increase chances of
spreading risk to people and assets. Developed cities become densely
populated as more capital is being invested in these areas. More jobs
are created as a result of urbanization and people living in rural areas
migrate to cities to look for jobs. This scenario can make the effect of
a disaster worse.
 ELEMENTS
EXPOSED TO
HAZARDS
 Physical aspects refer to a location-specific context for human-
environment interaction (Smithers and Smith, 1997) and the material
world (e.g., built structures). Settlements of people to hazard-prone
areas or landscapes because of its economic benefits and promises
have made physical exposure of human beings and its establishments
to hazards (UNISDR, 2004). Physical aspects of geography, location,
and place; settlement patterns; and physical structures including
infrastructure located in hazard-prone areas or with deficiencies in
resistance or susceptibility to damage.
 The 12 million plus population of Metro Manila are exposed to
different hazards like floods, liquefaction, and the 7.2 magnitude
earthquake popularly known as the Big One. Aside from the people,
there are elements or sectors in Metro Manila that could also be
affected or destroyed if a disaster strikes.
From family homes to government facilities, from young children to
the elderly, from small livelihood to big corporations; and from
damaged landscape to changes in biodiversity; everyone and every
single aspect or sector of society are exposed to hazards. If no
necessary capacity measures are taken, could also be they can all be
victims of disasters
LESSO
N5
Elements Exposed to
Particular Hazards
 NATURAL PHENOMENA
such as typhoons, earthquakes, volcano eruptions are natural
events and are beyond the control of the human power. Such
situations may directly or indirectly cause risk and hazards
to people. Moreover, it is not only natural events that are
causing harm to people. There are also other catastrophic
events which are caused by specific elements exposed to
potential hazards. Certain elements could be exposed to
particular hazards or could be the possible hazard in itself
based on the circumstance.
 NATURAL PHENOMENA

As mentioned at the beginning of this unit, it has been

stressed that the Philippines being one of the top 3 countries
in the World Risk Index affirms that there is much to
consider regarding elements exposed to particular hazards in
our country.
 ELEMENTS
EXPOSED TO
PARTICULAR
HAZARDS
 The conduct of disaster risk assessment is an essential activity
which can practically determine the different elements exposed to
certain types of hazards. The vulnerability of such elements if not
recognized and given action can be considered as an impending
disaster.
 In this situation, we can say that without any knowledge on these
elements such as housing infrastructures, material possessions,
assets, as well as the people living in particular areas where there are
particular hazards; all are exposed to a specific level of risk and
vulnerability. In most cases, these elements are barely observed and
often neglected though in many instances, these elements are also the
common causes of many disastrous events which have claimed
people's lives, properties, and infrastructures.
 Specific Types of Elements Exposed to Particular Hazards

An electrical fire is one of the most common disasters which happens

in many populated places. In this instance, people, infrastructures
and assets are the most common elements exposed to this particular
hazard.
 ELECTRICAL
There were many cases wherein GADGETS &
electrical devices and gadgets have
been the cause of fire. When APPLIANCES
overheating happens in densely LEFT
populated areas where houses are
made of light materials, it is more UNATTENDED
likely to create a disastrous
situation.
 FAULTY
ELECTRICAL
Most of the electrical fires happen WIRINGS
because of defective wiring. In most
cases, non-compliance to standards
were the common reasons for the
occurrence of electrical fires.
 FAULTY
OUTLETS AND
OUTDATED
Some fires started because of
outdated or poorly maintained old APPLIANCES
appliances.
 LIGHT FIXTURES

Light fixtures such as light bulbs are

also subject to electrical fires.
Lamps with too high or wrong
wattage is one of the leading causes
of electrical fires.
 EXTENSION
CORDS
Overloaded extension cord is
another primary cause of electrical
fires.
 SPACE HEATER

Some people with a high-level use

of heaters are considered to be a
contributing factor to causes of
electrical fires.
 BIOLOGICAL
Many people are unknowingly exposed to
substances that are hazardous to health which are SUBSTANCES
usually in the wide range of chemical and AND CHEMICALS
biological agents which used in household work
activities or even in the workplace. Many of these
substances are volatile and flammable. Improper
containers, wrong handling, storage, or disposal
practices can start a fire (though not of electrical
but of chemical or biological origin).
 LESSO
N6
Vulnerabilities of Elements Exposed
to Hazards
 With the Philippines in the Pacific Ring of Fire and along the
typhoon belt, the Philippines and its elements are exposed to many
hazards. It experiences a lot more earthquakes and volcanic activity
than most countries. More than twenty tropical cyclones visit the
Philippines annually. Its geographical location and archipelagic
character make the Philippines also susceptible to tsunamis, storm
surges, landslides, floods, and drought.
In addition to being highly exposed to these hazards, the Philippines
is also highly vulnerable to these hazards because it is not yet
entirely prepared and does not yet have the full capacity to cope with
these hazards. The vulnerabilities of these elements, including those
within the Philippines, can be categorized into four types.
 TYPES OF
VULNERABILITY
OF ELEMENTS
EXPOSED TO
HAZARDS
 PHYSICAL
VULNERABI
LITY
 Refers to objects that are susceptible to hazards. This includes
classifying the vulnerability of different elements such as houses,
buildings, and infrastructure. Physical vulnerability of an area
depends on how up-close hazards are to their location. People and
structures nearer to the source of a hazard are more vulnerable to
disasters as opposed to those located farther.
 Design and engineering of structures also play an important role in
identifying the physical vulnerability. A structure designed and built
with the supervision of architects and engineers will be less
vulnerable to disasters as opposed to an unsupervised building.
 The material composition of structures contributes to physical
vulnerability. Wooden houses are more susceptible to fire hazard as
opposed to those made up of concrete, but wooden houses are less
prone to collapse during earthquakes.
 SOCIAL
VULNERABI
LITY
Encompasses identifying people’s capacity to cope with hazards, the
ability to form a structured organization, and creating an
implementation of proper disaster risk reduction and management.

Differently abled people are more vulnerable to hazards. The deaf

will not be able to hear warning alarms of an impending disaster such
as a tsunami. Paraplegic (paralyzed) people, those who have
paralysis on both legs, will need assistance to evacuate an area that is
about to be flooded. The blind will not be able to see where to vacate
if his or her settlement is on fire.
 The absence of organizational structure adds to social vulnerability.
Without a system that creates and decides for actions before, during,
and after disasters, people and communities will be in chaos.
Communities will have more difficulty in avoiding disasters. Proper
information dissemination, protocols, and early warning systems
also reduce social vulnerabilities because they create a well-informed
community in preparing for impending disasters and coping with
disasters when they happen.
 ENTAL
VULNERABI
LITY
 describes the potential degradation of the surrounding landscapes
including bodies of land and water, and biodiversity due to hazards.
This vulnerability is of great concern because of the environment’s
diverse role to the people and the community.
 The Philippines gets most of its resources from the environment. A
lot of livelihoods and settlements are situated in areas where
environmental vulnerabilities are high. One factor that affects
environmental vulnerability is climate change. It increases the
overall temperature of the ocean and the atmosphere. It also increases
the chance of unpredictable weather patterns. The result is a
highly destructive nature that degrades more landscape, creates
more flood, and threatens biodiversity even more.
ECONOMIC
VULNERABI
LITY
 Identifies the potential losses of resources of the people and the
community. This is linked to other types of vulnerabilities. Economic
losses are incurred when physical disasters occur. Destruction of
houses, buildings, or infrastructures has a significant effect on the
resources of a person, community, or business.
 Being highly dependent on natural resources also makes an
environmental vulnerability an economic vulnerability, such as those
whose livelihoods are dependent on agriculture, fisheries, and animal
farming. Poverty is a socioeconomic factor that is of great concern.
It limits the resources of people and the community to cope with
hazards. People who cannot afford to hire licensed architects and
engineers will build a vulnerable house. A community who does
not have enough resources will not be able to create a
comprehensive monitoring system for early warning signs of an
impending landslide, flood, tsunami, and other hazards.
CAPACITY TO
COPE WITH
HAZARDS
 Hazards are difficult, if not impossible, to remove from a particular
area. Exposure of element is much easier to reduce. Reducing the
vulnerabilities of different elements exposed to hazards can be done.

Most people can cope to lessen the adverse effects and risk of
hazards within themselves or a particular area. This applies to all
kinds of people as long as they can gather resources, network,
information, and skills to help against the imminent hazard around
them
Resources are important in capacity building to lessen vulnerabilities
of elements. Buildings and infrastructures can be strengthened and
designed against hazards such as fires, earthquakes, and flooding.
Resource planning such as creating food and water storage for future
disasters can increase a person’s coping ability. Network and social
resources can significantly increase a person’s capacity to cope with
hazards.
 Social interaction and communication among members of the
community are crucial in creating a well-planned structure against a
potential disaster. The social network also helps in gathering and
disseminating information to the concerned members of the
community. Increased knowledge among locals also helps in
improving one’s capacity. Local and professional knowledge, when
weaved properly, help in formulating a proper risk reduction
response to decrease an area’s vulnerability to hazard.
The diagram shows the relationship of exposure and capacity to
cope to vulnerability. A community with high or low exposure to
hazard but has a high coping capacity has lower vulnerability
compared to a community with a low coping capacity.
LESSO
N7
Hazards, Exposures, and
Vulnerabilities
INTRODUCTION
Exposure to hazards and the vulnerability of
elements exposed to hazards vary depending on
many interrelated and overlapping factors. What are
the different exposures and vulnerabilities based
on the types of hazards?
 Metro Manila and surrounding provinces are exposed to an
earthquake that could generate a 7.2 magnitude anytime of the day.
This situation places those cities under serious threat of loss, damage,
and deaths due to vulnerable sectors of society like informal
settlements, weak and non-compliant buildings and infrastructures,
poverty, and other related scenarios.
 The concepts of vulnerability
and exposure were already
discussed in the previous
lessons. In this lesson, another
concept will be introduced –
hazard, and how it differs from
vulnerability and exposure.
HAZARDS
 Hazard is defined by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk
Reduction (UNDRR) [2 February 2017] as “a process, phenomenon
or human activity that may cause loss of life, injury or other health
impacts, property damage, social and economic disruption or
environmental degradation”. There are three (3) main types of
hazards; natural, anthropogenic, and socio-natural
• Natural hazards are predominantly associated with
natural processes and phenomena (UNISDR, 2017). These
hazards are impossible to prevent. Natural hazards can further be
categorized as biological, geological/geophysical, and hydro-
meteorological, depending on its origin.
• Anthropogenic hazards are human-induced
hazards, induced entirely or predominantly by human activities
and choices (UNISDR, 2017). Technological hazards which are
anthropogenic in nature, also may arise directly as a result of the
impacts of a natural hazard event (UNISDR, 2017).
• Socio-natural hazards is the combination of
anthropogenic and natural factors such as environmental
degradation and climate change (UNISDR, 2017). It can also
happen when a natural hazard interacted with degraded
environmental resources. Many incidents of land subsidence,
flooding, and drought can be attributed to the interaction of a
natural hazard and a degraded environment.