Hazard and Disaster
Hazard and disaster are related but distinct terms used in the context of environmental and risk management.
- Hazard: A hazard is a potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a person or persons. It refers to a situation or condition that has the potential to cause damage, injury, or harm. Hazards can be natural, technological, or human-made.
- Disaster: A disaster is a significant 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 result from the interaction between hazards and vulnerable conditions.
In summary, a hazard is a potential danger, while a disaster is the realization of that danger when it impacts a community or society.
Types of Hazards
Hazards can be categorized into several types based on their origin and nature. Here are the main types of hazards with examples:
1. Natural Hazards
These are hazards that arise from natural processes of the Earth. They include:
- Geological Hazards:
- Earthquakes: Sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.
- Example: The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake in Japan.
- Volcanic Eruptions: Explosive or effusive release of magma, ash, and gases from a volcano.
- Example: The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which buried Pompeii.
- Landslides: Movement of rock, soil, and debris down a slope.
- Example: The 2014 Oso landslide in Washington State, USA.
- Meteorological Hazards:
- Cyclones/Hurricanes/Typhoons: Intense circular storms with strong winds and heavy rain.
- Example: Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
- Tornadoes: Violently rotating columns of air extending from thunderstorms to the ground.
- Example: The 2013 Moore tornado in Oklahoma, USA.
- Hydrological Hazards:
- Floods: Overflow of water onto normally dry land.
- Example: The 2010 Pakistan floods.
- Droughts: Extended periods of below-average rainfall leading to water shortages.
- Example: The 2011–2017 North American drought.
- Climatological Hazards:
- Heatwaves: Prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures.
- Example: The 2003 European heatwave.
- Cold Spells: Prolonged periods of extremely low temperatures.
- Example: The 2019–2020 Australian bushfire season (in part due to heatwaves).
- Biological Hazards:
- Pandemics: Widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases.
- Example: The COVID-19 pandemic.
- Epidemics: Outbreaks of disease affecting many people within a community or region.
- Example: The Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014–2016).
2. Technological Hazards
These are hazards resulting from human activities and technological processes.
- Industrial Accidents:
- Chemical Spills: Release of hazardous chemicals into the environment.
- Example: The Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984.
- Nuclear Accidents: Release of radioactive materials from nuclear power plants.
- Example: The Chernobyl disaster in 1986.
- Transport Accidents:
- Train Derailments: Accidents involving trains going off their tracks.
- Example: The 2013 Santiago de Compostela train derailment in Spain.
- Oil Tanker Spills: Release of crude oil into marine environments from tankers.
- Example: The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.
- Urban Hazards:
- Building Collapse: Failure of buildings or structures.
- Example: The collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh in 2013.
3. Human-Made Hazards
These hazards result from human actions and societal processes.
- Conflict and War:
- Armed Conflicts: Violent conflicts between nations or groups leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
- Example: The Syrian Civil War.
- Terrorism: Deliberate acts of violence intended to cause fear and disruption.
- Example: The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA.
- Environmental Degradation:
- Deforestation: Large-scale removal of forests leading to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Example: Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
- Pollution: Contamination of air, water, or soil due to human activities.
- Example: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Summary
Hazards are potential sources of harm, while disasters are the impacts of hazards on people and communities. Understanding the different types of hazards helps in assessing risks, preparing for potential impacts, and implementing effective response and mitigation strategies to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience.