Philippine Risk Profile

THE PHILIPPINE DISASTER RISK PROFILE

Philippines' Geographical Location

The Philippine Archipelago occupies the western rim of the Pacific Ocean (Western Segment of the Pacific Ring of Fire), a most active part of the Earth that is characterized by an ocean-encircling belt of active volcanoes and earthquake generators (fault lines).

Being on the west of the Pacific Ocean exposes the archipelago to recurrent phenomenons such as typhoons, droughts, floods, and landslides.

The country ranks 3rd in risk of natural disasters in 2009 Global Assessment Report Word Risk Index 2012.

EFFECTS OF DISASTER

• Loss of lives

38,585 deaths are recorded from 1970 - 2013 alone.

• Loss of access

Php 175.90 Billion cost of damages to roads and bridges from 1970 - 2013

• Loss of services

Php 126.8 Billion cost of damages to government facilities from 1970 - 2013

• Loss of livelihood

Country's vulnerability to natural hazards cost an average of 15 billion pesos annually.

What are the HAZARDS in the Philippines?

There are 2 types of hazards:

1. Natural Hazards
2. Man-made hazards

Natural Hazards can be classified according to their origin:

• Geological Origin - earthquake, tsunamis, volcanic activity
• Hydro-meteorological Origin - floods, tropical storms, drought
• Biological Origin - epidemic diseases

Man-made Hazards are induced by human processes such as:

• Climate change
• Fire
• Mining of non-renewable resources
• Environmental degradation
• Technological hazards

Hazards can be single, sequential or combined in their origin and effects.

These will be further discussed on next posts.