This document defines key terms related to natural hazards and disasters. It states that a natural hazard is a geophysical, atmospheric or hydrological event, such as an earthquake, that has the potential to cause harm. A disaster is defined as an extreme natural hazard that impacts vulnerable communities, causing damage and casualties leaving them unable to function without assistance. Disaster risk is determined by the characteristics and frequency of hazards in a location as well as the vulnerability of the people and infrastructure. Climate change is a significant change in climate measurements either directly or indirectly due to atmospheric impacts or natural variability.
3. • We provide basic definitions to promote a
common understanding on the subject for.
The terms are based on a broad
consideration of different international
sources.
4. • Natural hazard is a geophysical,
atmospheric or hydrological event (e.g.
earthquake, landslide, tsunami, windstorm,
wave or surge, flood or drought) that has
the potential to cause harm or loss
5. • A disaster is the occurrence of an extreme
hazard event that impacts on vulnerable
communities, causing substantial damage,
disruption and possible casualties, and
leaving the affected communities unable
to function normally without outside
assistance.
6. • Disaster risk is a function of the
characteristics and frequency of hazards
experienced in a specified location, the
nature of the elements at risk and their
inherent degree of vulnerability or
resilience.
7. • Climate change is a statistically significant
change in measurements of either the
mean state or the variability of the climate
for a place or region over an extended
period, either directly or indirectly due to
the impact of the global atmosphere or
due to natural variability
