FIMA Year Book 2010-2011 - Federation of Islamic Medical ...

TOTAL DISASTER RISK
Definition of Disaster:
Disaster, according to WHO, is defined as a "a
serious disruption of the functioning of a
community or a society causing widespread
human, material, economic or environmental
losses, which exceed the ability of the affected
community or society to cope using its own
resources" 3 .
Whereas the American College of Emergency
Physicians states that a disaster has occurred
"when the destructive effects of natural or manmade
forces overwhelm the ability of a given area
or community to meet the demand for health
care" 4 .
In simple terms, it is when there is “so much to do,
by the so few, with so little resources” 4 .
A disaster is a result of the combination of
hazards, conditions of vulnerability and
insufficient capacity or measures to reduce the
potential negative consequences of risk.
This can be expressed in a simple equation:
Disaster Risk = Hazard x Vulnerability /
Capacity:
Vulnerability is a set of conditions and processes
resulting from physical, social, economical and
environmental factors, which increase the
susceptibility of a community to the impact of
hazards. Capacities are positive factors that
increase the ability of people and the society they
live in, to cope effectively with hazards, that
increase their resilience, or that otherwise reduce
their susceptibility.
We may not be able to prevent hazards but if we
can reduce vulnerability or increase the capacity
of a given community, then we can reduce the
probability of harmful consequences when a
disaster strikes.
As disasters happen more often and disaster risk
increases in the world, the human society and its
development are put to greater risk. Repeated
disaster occurrence further worsens poverty,
setbacks the economy, and impedes development.
This is why reducing disaster risks are so
important a concern and issue to sustainable
human development.
Total Disaster Risk Management (TDRM):
It is an approach towards reducing disaster risks
more significantly and responding to any disaster
more effectively. The TDRM approach is a
holistic viewpoint and course of action that allows
us to appreciate and address the underlying causes
of disaster risks. In recognizing disaster risk
reduction and response as a prerequisite of
sustainable development, TDRM helps ensure that
development efforts do not increase disaster risks,
but instead, they preserve socio-economic
investments and gains.
As such, TDRM encourages us to have the
following approach in understanding and dealing
with disasters:
1. We must deepen our understanding of
disaster risks.
The triggering factors and conditions in the
community that brought about this hazard are
some of the answers that we seek. Economic,
social and religious factors are important
determinants and will have an impact during a
disaster. Can we influence these factors then
2. We must enhance our competence in
dealing with disaster risks, with shared
knowledge, experience and expertise.
Identifying, analyzing, and assessing disaster risks
are the activities that we need to prioritize,
followed by communicating and educating the
public at risk. Prevention, mitigation and
preparedness activities will improve our capability
to respond better for the incoming disaster.
3. We must consolidate our capacities and
actions through stronger cooperation.
Knowing our own limitations in managing disaster
risks and getting help from others in building each
FIMA YearBook 2010-2011 42