INTRODUCTION OF

DISASTER
PRESENTED BY : NOURHAN DAHSHAN
 OUT LINES

• Introduction
• Definition of disaster (ridk, hazard, vulnerable, capacity)
• Cause and types of disaster
• Phase of disaster
• Characteristic Of disaster
• Disaster management cycle
• Factors affect disaster management
• Effect of disaster
• Role of nurs
INTRODUCTION

Disasters are serious disruptions to the functioning of a

community that exceed its capacity to cope using its own
resources. Disasters can be caused by natural, man-made and
technological hazards, as well as various factors that influence the
exposure and vulnerability of a community.
DEFINITION OF DISASTER

World Health Organization (WHO) definition of

disaster: “A disaster is an occurrence disrupting the
normal conditions of existence and causing a level of
suffering that exceeds the capacity of adjustment of the
affected community”
 DEFINITION OF DISASTER
What is a Disaster?
A disaster is defined as a “sudden or great misfortune” or simply “any
unfortunate event.” More precisely, a disaster is “an event whose timing is
unexpected and whose consequences are seriously destructive.” These
definitions identify an event that includes three elements:
Suddenness
Unexpectedness
• Significant destruction and/or adverse consequence
 HAZARD

A hazard is a dangerous phenomenon, substance, human

activity or condition. It may cause loss of life, injury or
other health impacts, property damage, loss of
livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption,
or environmental damage.
5 Major Hazards in the Workplace

Falls and Falling Objects.

Chemical Exposure.

Fire Hazards.

Electrical Hazards.
Repetitive Motion Injury.
 RISK

Risk is the possibility of something bad happening. Risk

involves uncertainty about the effects/implications of an
activity with respect to something that humans value (such
as health, well-being, wealth, property or the
environment), often focusing on negative, undesirable
consequences.
What does risk it mean?
: to do something that may result in something bad or unpleasant
happening. We should stop for more gas. We probably have
enough, but I don’t want to risk it.
 CAPACITY

» This concept is known as “capacity”. A system of

controls that has capacity means it allows/enables the
worker to “fail safely” when an error or mistake is made.
Safety Capacity is informed by an approach to
health and safety that looks to build the health and
safety capacity and resilience of an organisation,
rather than to focus just on avoiding past mistakes.
 VULNERABILITY

Vulnerability is the quality of being easily hurt or attacked. Some

seniors think it’s funny to pick on the ninth graders because of
their vulnerability.
Vulnerability comes from the Latin word for “wound,” vulnus.
Vulnerability is the state of being open to injury, or appearing as
if you are.
Vulnerability is the human dimension of disasters
and is the result of the range of economic, social,
cultural, institutional, political and psychological
factors that shape people’s lives and the
environment that they live in.
Vulnerability – the likelihood that assets will be
damaged/destroyed/affected when exposed to a
hazard. For example, a building with multiple
floors may be more vulnerable to shaking from an
earthquake and more likely to collapse than a one-
story building.
TYPE OF VULNERABILITY

• physical vulnerability
• Economic vulnerability
• Social vulnerability
• Environmental vulnerability
1. • Technological vulnerability
PHYSICAL VULNERABILITY

Physical vulnerability describes the ability of the built

environment, including homes, roads, bridges, hospitals,
schools, and government buildings, to withstand impacts.
Generally, physical vulnerability is represented as the
monetary value of physical assets in the hazardous zone.
ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY

Economic vulnerability: This type of vulnerability refers

to the susceptibility of individuals, households, and
communities to economic harm from disasters. Economic
vulnerability is influenced by factors such as poverty,
lack of Insurance coverage, and dependence on
vulnerable industries such as agriculture or tourism
SOCIAL VULNERABILITY

Social vulnerability refers to the potential negative

effects on communities caused by external stresses on
human health. Such stresses include natural or human-
caused disasters, or disease outbreaks. Reducing social
vulnerability can decrease both human suffering and
economic loss.
ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITY

This refers to the susceptibility of ecosystems to

damage or disruption from natural disasters.
Environmental vulnerability is influenced by
factors such as climate change, deforestation, and
pollution.
TECHNOLOGICAL VULNERABILITY

Technological vulnerability refers to the chance that a

technological system may fail due to outside impacts.
The usual approaches to studying technological risk are
not so useful for studying vulnerabilities of major
systems such as energy, communication, or defense.ty
 CAUSES & TYPES OF DISASTER

A) Natural disasters The natural disaster category being divided into six disaster groups :

Biological,such as disease epidemics and insect/animal plagues)

Geophysical, Earthquakes, Mass Movements and Volcanic Activities
Meteorological,floods, wildfires, heat waves, and droughts,
Hydrological,movement and distribution of water on earth (floods and avalanches - Tsunamis
Climatological Drought; Glacial Lake Outburst; Wildfire.
Extra-Terrestrial. Terrestrial disasters include earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide,
avalanches, subsidence, etc.
 CAUSES & TYPES OF DISASTER

B) Men-made disasters
Terrorism War
civil conflicts
.Technological disasters(Industrial disasters – Structural collapse )
1. fire disaster
2. .Transportation disasters
3. .Environmental Degradation and pollution
4. BRN Disasters : CBRN (chemical , biological , radiation and nuclear )
5. Toxic
6. - Other causes mas trauma
7. - Infectious disease outbreaks, incidents of community unrest
PHASE OF DISASTER
 PHASE OF DISASTER

Pre-impact phase: In this phase, there is enough time for

investigating choices, inventing ways to prevent or
mitigate the disasters, and training communities on the
methods. Strategic planners and leaders are involved in
this phase. They will make the needed large-scale
decisions and policy shifts intended to change people’s
perception of risk.
Trans-impact phase: This phase includes the period that
is immediately before, during, and after event.
Policymakers and operation leaders are involved and are
under strong time pressure to deal with the effects of
disasters.
Post-impact phase: This phase includes two subphases,
the early and late phases. In the early one, there is a need
to restore pre-impact norm. In the late phase, there is a
need to set new norms to prevent or mitigate future
disasters.
CHARACTERISTIC OF DISASTER

CHARACTERISTIC OF DISASTER

1.Predictability

2.Frequency

3.Preventability

4. Speed of onset
5.Intensity
CHARACTERISTIC OF DISASTER

1-Predictability

Predictability of a disaster is the key to

understand its nature and thereby to
assess the. chances of its occurrence and
the fury of the event.
CHARACTERISTIC OF DISASTER

2-Frequency

• Frequency refers to how often a disaster occurs. Some disasters

occur relatively often in certain parts of the world. Terrorist
activities are occurring on an almost daily
CHARACTERISTIC OF DISASTER

3-Preventability
Refers to actions taken to reduce loss of life and property
by lessening the impact of disasters. It means taking action now
—before the next disaster—to reduce human and financial
consequences.
CHARACTERISTIC OF DISASTER

4-Speed onset
Rapid-onset disaster unfold almost instantly, slow-onset disasters
can be predicted much further in advance and unfold over months
or even years. Rapid-onset disasters tend to create their
destruction through the immediate physical impacts.
CHARACTERISTIC OF DISASTER

5-Intensity
Intensive risk is comprised of the exposure of large
concentrations of people and economic activities to intense
hazard events, which can lead to potentially catastrophic
disaster impacts involving high mortality and asset loss.
 DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE
MANGMENT PHASES
The cycle involves the following five stages:

Prevention. The best way to address a disaster is by being proactive. ...

Mitigation. Mitigation aims to minimize the loss of human life that would result from a
disaster. ...

Preparedness. ...

Response. ...
Recovery.
 DISASTER MANAGEMENT CYCLE

Definition: It is the discipline dealing with and avoiding

risks. It is a discipline that involves preparing,
supporting, and rebuilding society when natural or
human-made disasters occur
1. Prevention
The best way to address a disaster is by being
proactive. This means identifying potential hazards
and devising safeguards to mitigate their impact.
Although this stage in the cycle involves putting
permanent measures into place that can help
minimize disaster risk, it’s important to acknowledge
that disasters can’t always be prevented.
Prevention involves scenarios such as the following:
-Implementing an evacuation plan in a school, for
example, showing teachers how to lead students to safety
in the event of a tornado or fire
-Planning and designing a city in a way that minimizes
the risk of flooding, for example, with the use of locks,
dams or channels to divert water away from populous
areas
2. Mitigation

Mitigation aims to minimize the loss of human life that would result from a disaster.
Both structural and nonstructural measures may be taken.

A structural measure means changing the physical characteristics of a building or an

environment to curb the effects of a disaster. For example, clearing trees away from a house
can ensure that dangerous storms don’t knock down the trees and send them crashing into
homes and public buildings.
Nonstructural measures involve adopting or amending building codes to optimize safety for
all future building construction.
3. Preparedness
Preparedness is an ongoing process in which individuals,
communities, businesses and organizations can plan and train for
what they’ll do in the event of a disaster. Preparedness is defined
by ongoing training, evaluating and corrective action, ensuring the
highest level of readiness.

Fire drills, active-shooter drills and evacuation rehearsals are all

good examples of the preparedness stage.
4. Response

Response is what happens after the disaster occurs. It involves both short- and long-
term responses.

Ideally, the disaster-management leader will coordinate the use of resources (including
personnel, supplies and equipment) to help restore personal and environmental safety,
as well as to minimize the risk of any additional property damage.
During the response stage, any ongoing hazards are removed from the area; for
example, in the aftermath of a wildfire, any lingering fires will be put out, and areas
that pose a high flammability risk will be stabilized.
5. Recovery

The fifth stage in the disaster-management cycle is recovery. This can take a long
time, sometimes years or decades. For example, some areas in New Orleans have yet
to fully recover from Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It involves stabilizing the area and
restoring all essential community functions. Recovery requires prioritization: first,
essential services like food, clean water, utilities, transportation and healthcare will
be restored, with less-essential services being prioritized later.
Ultimately, this stage is about helping individuals, communities, businesses and
organizations return to normal or a new normal depending on the impact of the
disaster.
 FACTORS AFFECT DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Factors affecting disaster management are:

Economic condition.
Positive thinking.
Spirit of Cooperation.
Population density.
Social honesty and faith.
Geographical conditions.
1. Availability of the means of transport and communication.
1-Economic condition.
The economic position of a country is an important factor of
disaster management. A strong economic position always favors
disaster management, otherwise it is against. If the economic
condition of a country is sound, it provides developed and latest
resources and other equipment. In poor economic condition, it is
very hard to manage the disaster.
2. Positive Thinking of the Individuals:
Positive thinking plays an important role during
hazards and disasters. In unfavorable conditions,
positive thinking and attitude is helpful to recover
from a difficult situation. Positive thinking and
attitude is the best reserve for the individuals,
family and the society in such conditions.
3. Spirit of Cooperation: Management is a process of
the adjustment of people in which different persons are
joined with each other in the form of a link. During a
disaster, cooperative spirit among the people is the
most important as well as the most helpful. With the
help of the spirit of cooperation, great misery can be
easily overcome.
4. Population Density: Population density of a
country also affects the disaster management at large.
More densely-populated regions need more rescue
equipment, time, money and cooperation, otherwise,
lesser time, money, equipment are need
5. Social honesty and faith: During disaster
management, social honesty and faith are most
valuable. If we lack in them, then various tough
situations arise, which are more difficult and
challenging than disasters. Hence, social honesty,
dedication and faith are the most essential elements.
6. Geographical Conditions: Geographical
conditions also affect disaster management at
large. Climate, surface structure, condition of
water – flow, composition of soil found in the
effected region not only affect the disaster
management, but also very much affect the rescue
process.
7. Availability of Means of Transport and
Communication: Disaster management cannot be possible
without availability of proper means of transport and
communication. If this is proper enough and of high quality,
then disaster management becomes easier and rescue
operations can be done effectively, otherwise it causes
failure in the disaster management.
EFFECT OF DISASTER

Health impact of disaster

1. Injuries
In the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster, injuries are the first impacts that
must be addressed. Community health workers may need to set up temporary triage
areas to treat the wounded, depending on how severely local infrastructure has been
affected. Earthquakes tend to result in the highest number of injuries, compared to
other events such as tsunamis, floods, storms, or wildfires
EFFECT OF DISASTER

Health impact of disaster

2. Chronic Disease Emergencies
While some natural disasters have a high rate of injuries, most result in power outages
and infrastructure damage that lead to trouble for patients suffering from chronic
diseases. Those living with diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, or other conditions
requiring constant care will often be the first to suffer if healthcare services are
interrupted.
EFFECT OF DISASTER

Health impact of disaster

3. Hygienic Impacts and the Spread of Disease
When a natural disaster destroys infrastructure such as roads, water pipes, and gas
lines, additional potential health impacts emerge. Contaminated water and the lack of
a functioning sewer system can result in the spread of disease. Sustained power
outages can cause food shortages, lost medicine, and the inability to run healthcare
facilities safely.
EFFECT OF DISASTER

Health impact of disaster

4. Food Shortages
One short-term consequence of natural disasters that can stretch into a long-term
problem is the issue of food shortages. While the disaster itself might have interrupted
supply logistics in the area, damage to farms and factories could also spark longer-
lasting food shortages. This can lead to an increase in food prices, putting a financial
burden on disadvantaged populations who may not be able to afford basic groceries.
EFFECT OF DISASTER

Health impact of disaster

5. Mental Health Problems
The trauma of experiencing a natural disaster can cause widespread mental health
problems. Immediate mental impacts include shock and grief, but as victims suffer the
loss of homes, businesses, and loved ones, they often face longer-term problems such as
post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. In the long term, natural
disasters may also drive an increase in alcohol and drug abuse.
EFFECT OF DISASTER

Health impact of disaster

6. Damage to Healthcare Infrastructure
Anything from an extended power outage to physical damage at hospitals and other
healthcare facilities can lead to a public health crisis for some citizens. Medicines are
lost, equipment is damaged or destroyed, and hospital facilities are unable to treat
patients adequately. Many people might also flee the area following a disaster, leaving
healthcare facilities short-staffed. And with fewer residents, sometimes there is less
impetus to rebuild broken healthcare infrastructure.
EFFECT OF DISASTER

Economic impact of disaster

• Decrease income resources
• In Frastructure, of reclamation efforts
• loss of normal revenue were lost to the city.
• Expensive food supply
• Health care services is high cost
• Shortage of drugs and medical supplies
• Poverty
EFFECT OF DISASTER

Community impact
Communication lines such as telephones and computers may be disrupted.
 Transportation links as roads and methods of transportation.
 Public utilities as gas, water, and electricity are disrupted in massive disaster.
 Number of persons without home
EFFECT OF DISASTER

Social impact
Social impact means looking at how natural disasters affect
individuals in the community, and it goes way beyond just
dealing with casualties and property damage. It’s about working
directly with the people.”
Impact Of Disasters (Social)
• Change in individual’s role
• Disruption of social fabric
• Isolation• Change in marital status
+ Sexual abuse & domestic violence• Orphans
• Single parent children
• Family & social disorganization• Migration
• Life style changes
• Breakdown of traditional Social Status
EFFECT OF DISASTER

Environmental impact
Pollution
contamination
or destruction
that occurs as a consequence of an action, that can have short-term or long-term
ramifications is considered an environmental impact. Most adverse environmental
impacts also have a direct link to public health and quality of life issues.
Environmental impact
Deforestation, forest management practices, agriculture
systems etc. Can exacerbate the negative environmental
impacts of a storm or typhoon, leading to landslides,
flooding, silting and ground/surface water contamination .
ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

Nurses are crucial in disaster

management, spanning
various stages of the disaster
lifecycle – from prevention
and preparedness to response
and recovery. Their
responsibilities in disaster
management
ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

1. Preparedness

Preparedness is a proactive phase where strategies are developed to

ensure communities can respond to and recover from disasters
effectively. Within this phase, nurses undergo specialized training
tailored to various disaster situations, arming them with knowledge
that ranges from specific medical interventions to broader, non-
medical skills like search and rescue operations.
ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

They serve as a crucial bridge to the community, educating

individuals about potential risks they might face and the best
ways to respond. This education often involves practical guidance
on evacuation, basic first aid, and other life-saving techniques.
Nurses are actively involved in disaster drills to ensure the
healthcare community and the larger population are ready for
potential disasters. These mock exercises serve to both test
existing disaster response protocols and to identify areas for
improvement
 ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER
2. Mitigation
Mitigation focuses on long-term strategies to reduce the impact of disasters.
Nurses, with their on-ground experience and medical knowledge, are essential
in assessing potential hazards within their communities. By working closely
with community members, they can help develop and implement strategies tha
minimize these risks, ensuring the safety and health of residents. One of the
crucial aspects of mitigation is resource management.
Nurses ensure that healthcare facilities, like hospitals, are always equipped with
essential medicines, tools, and supplies. Their role ensures that medical
establishments can provide immediate and sustained care without significant
 ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

3. Response

When disaster strikes, an immediate and effective response can mean the difference between life and
death. Nurses are often at the forefront of this response. One of their primary responsibilities is
triage, where they assess the severity of patients’ injuries and prioritize medical attention, ensuring
those in dire need receive care first. Beyond immediate medical care, like first aid or resuscitation,
they also cater to victims’ emotional and psychological well-being.

Disaster trauma can be long-lasting, and nurses provide initial emotional support to help victims
cope. Additionally, in the chaos of disaster scenarios, coordination becomes paramount. Nurses
collaborate seamlessly with various emergency response teams, ensuring medical care integrates
smoothly with broader rescue and relief efforts
ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

4. Recovery

The aftermath of a disaster is a challenging time for affected communities. In this recovery phase,
nurses play an ongoing role. They monitor and provide care to survivors, ensuring that those who have
sustained injuries continue to receive necessary treatments. Some victims might also be at risk of
psychological disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and nurses offer the required
support.

Beyond individual care, they engage with entire communities, strengthening their resilience and
readiness for future disasters. This involves bolstering mental health frameworks, setting up
rehabilitation programs, and continuously reinforcing the importance of preparedness.
ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

5. Leadership And Advocacy

Nurses don’t just provide care; they also serve as leaders and advocates in disaster
management. With firsthand experience in disaster response, they are uniquely positioned to
influence policy-making, ensuring that strategies and protocols are effective and grounded
in reality. Many also engage in research, gathering invaluable data during disaster
responses, which can be analyzed to refine and improve future strategies.
ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

6. Documentation

Documentation is an integral aspect of disaster response. In the chaotic environment that often ensues post-
disaster, nurses ensure that detailed records of every patient are meticulously maintained. This not only aids in
subsequent medical follow-ups but also provides a clearer understanding of the scale and impact of the
disaster. It helps medical professionals track patients’ progress and offers insights into the effectiveness of
interventions.

Moreover, nurses are actively involved in collecting crucial data during disasters. They gather information on
the nature and extent of injuries, the number of victims, and other pertinent details. This data is invaluable for
researchers studying disaster impact and policymakers aiming to improve disaster preparedness and response.
ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

7. Community Assessment

Understanding the state of a community post-disaster is essential for effective

recovery. Nurses frequently take on the responsibility of evaluating affected
communities by examining environmental and social dimensions.

They assess ongoing environmental hazards, shifts in social dynamics and immediate
public health needs. A comprehensive picture of the community’s state can help better
tailor recovery strategies, ensuring they address each disaster’s unique challenges and
needs.
ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

8. Health Promotion And Disease Prevention

In the aftermath of a disaster, communities often face
heightened health risks. Disrupted sanitation systems,
contaminated water sources, and overcrowded shelters can
lead to disease outbreaks. Nurses play a pivotal role in
mitigating these risks. They lead public health campaigns,
educating community members on best practices in hygiene,
the importance of consuming safe water, and recognizing
early symptoms of diseases.
ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

9. Capacity Building And Training

Preparedness is bolstered through continuous learning, and
nurses are often at the forefront of these educational efforts.
Experienced disaster response nurses bring their wealth of
knowledge and experience to train their peers, ensuring the
entire nursing staff is adequately prepared for future disaster
scenarios. But their training efforts don’t stop at healthcare
professionals.
ROLE OF NURSE IN DISASTER

10. Continuity Of Care

For many patients, especially those with chronic conditions or
undergoing prolonged treatments, continuity of care is
paramount. Disasters can disrupt medical treatments, leading to
complications or deteriorated health. With their patient-centric
approach, nurses prioritize ensuring that these patients face
minimal interruptions in their medical care.