Hazard

Hazard

Hazard is defined as a phenomenon or natural condition having the potential of causing loss of lives, injury and destruction of properties. Overall, it has the possibility of economic disruptions and environmental damage.

• Hazard is called a disaster only when it really affects a certain population.

• A hazard, as defined by the UNISDR, refers to any dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity, or condition that has the potential to cause loss of life, injuries, health issues, property damage, disruption

of livelihoods and essential services, social instability, economic setbacks, or environmental harm.

• Natural Hazards A natural hazard is a naturally occurring process or phenomenon that can result in fatalities, injuries, health complications, destruction of property, loss of livelihoods and essential services, economic and social disturbances, or environmental degradation.

• Natural hazards fall under the broader category of hazards and refer to both actual hazardous events and pre-existing conditions that could lead to future disasters. These events vary based on their intensity, speed of onset, duration and geographical impact.

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For instance, earthquakes typically occur suddenly and affect limited areas, whereas droughts develop gradually, persist for extended periods, and cover vast regions.

• Sometimes, hazards occur in combination, such as flooding triggered by a hurricane or a tsunami resulting from an earthquake.