Recent Natural Disasters | Calamities | Hazards

Disasters possess the capability to cause severe destruction to human life and property, disrupt economic and social progress and result in substantial financial losses.  Disaster risk reduction encompasses measures that reduce the likelihood of disasters occurring and minimizes their consequences when they do occur. These measures consist of planning and preparedness, early warning systems, evacuation plans, and post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation. Preparedness and the availability of early warning systems can help people evacuate and seek shelter before the disaster strikes. This can reduce loss of life and prevent injuries. Disaster risk reduction can reduce the economic impact of disasters. By investing in disaster risk reduction, governments and communities can save money in the long run. Preparing for a disaster is generally less expensive than responding to it and rebuilding after it has occurred. Disaster risk reduction can build resilience in communities. By preparing fo

The Philippines is frequently struck by natural disasters due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the regular occurrence of typhoons (Barbosa, 2019). These disasters have included earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, and typhoons, causing significant loss of life and property damage. A notable example is Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the country in November 2013, resulting in over 6,000 deaths, affecting over 16 million people, and causing damage to property worth approximately $2.86 billion (NDRRMC, 2013). Besides typhoons, earthquakes are another significant threat to the Philippines, given its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. For example, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the island of Bohol in October 2013, killing over 200 people and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, 2013). Moreover, the country experiences frequent volcanic eruptions, as seen in January 2020 when the Taal V