Disaster and

Mental Health
PHILIP V. AUSTRIA
COACH
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,

As we gather today, we seek Your wisdom and guidance. Bless our minds as
we learn about the challenges of disaster and mental health. Equip us with
the knowledge and empathy we need to become compassionate and skilled
mental health professionals in the future.
May we approach our studies with dedication, understanding that the skills
we gain here will one day help us support and heal those in need. Guide our
hearts to serve others with integrity, compassion, and resilience.

Amen.
Disasters: Concepts and Causes
Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the meaning and classification of disasters
2. Describe the challenges and perspectives in deisater response
and emergency management
3. Discuss the effects of disasters on individuals, families, and
communities
4. Explain the importance of disaster preparedness
Meaning and Classifications of
Disasters
Disaster – is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society
that entails widespread human, material, economic, or environmental losses and
impacts, exceeding the ability of the affected community or society to cope using
its own resources.

- it is described as a result of the combination of exposure to hazard, the

conditions of vulnerability that are present, and the insufficient capacity or
measures to reduce or cope with potential negative consequences.

- Disaster impact may include loss of life, injuries, disease/s, and other negative
effects on physical, mental, and social well-being of humans, together with
damage to property, destruction of assets, loss of services, social and economic
disruption, and environmental degradation.
Meaning and Classifications of
Disasters
Every city, province, and region in the Philippines has its own unique set of
disaster risks:
◦ Recurrent – flood, infectious diseases
◦ Seasonal – typhoon, drought
◦ Infrequent and unpredictable – earthquake

The pattern of disaster and emergency situations in the country has been
constantly changing, becoming more frequent and more destructive to
communities, especially since the issues of urbanization and poverty have
led more and more Filipinos to live in disater-prone areas, such as long river
systems and coastal and landslide areas.
Meaning and Classifications of
Disasters
Natural Disasters – typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and landslides, volcanic
eraptions

High vulnerability of the Philippines to natural hazards is primarily because of its

geographic location,

The Philippines is situated within the Pacific “ring of fire” or the Circum-Pacific or
typhoon belt which is a large region in the Pacific Ocean where the majority of
Earth’s volcanic eruptions and earthquake occurs.

Philippines have many active faults and trenches; 200 volcanic landforms, 22 of
which are active.
Meaning and Classifications of
Disasters
In a year, approximately 80 typhoons develop above tropical
waters.
An average of 10-20 tropical storms enter the Philippines each
year (July, August, September) with 8 or 9 making landfall.
Strong typhoons bring in heavy rainfall, especially when the
typhoon occur with the southwest monsoon.
Flooding topped the list in the total number of disaster events in
the country.
Meaning and Classifications of
Disasters
Human-induced disasters – (also known as an anthropogenic
disaster) is a catastrophic event that results from human
actions, either intentional or unintentional (terrorist attacks,
communist insurgencies, civil disturbances, hostage-taking
incidents). Unlike natural disasters, which occur due to natural
forces (like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods), human-induced
disasters are directly caused by human activities. These
disasters can have devastating impacts on the environment,
public health, infrastructure, and the economy.
 Disasters from Natural Forces
Earthquakes and volcanoes are two significant natural disasters that stem from the dynamic processes of the
Earth's crust.

Earthquakes

An earthquake is a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, typically caused by the movement of tectonic plates
beneath the Earth's surface. These movements occur along faults, which are fractures in the Earth’s crust where
stress has built up over time. When this stress is released, it generates seismic waves that cause the ground to shake.

Key Points:
• Causes: Most earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. Other causes can include volcanic
activity, landslides, or human activities like mining or reservoir-induced seismicity.
• Impact: Earthquakes can result in widespread destruction, especially in populated areas, leading to collapsed
buildings, infrastructure damage, landslides, tsunamis, and significant loss of life.
• Measurement: The magnitude of an earthquake is measured using the Richter scale or the more modern Moment
Magnitude Scale (Mw), while its intensity is measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale.
 Disasters from Natural Forces
Volcanoes

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust through which molten rock, ash, and gases are expelled.
Volcanic activity is primarily driven by the movement of tectonic plates, particularly at divergent and
convergent boundaries. Magma from beneath the Earth's crust rises to the surface, resulting in volcanic
eruptions.

Key Points:
• Types of Eruptions: Eruptions can vary in intensity, from explosive eruptions that eject ash and gases
high into the atmosphere to effusive eruptions that produce lava flows.
• Impact: Volcanic eruptions can cause widespread damage, including destruction of property from lava
flows, pyroclastic flows, and ash fall. They can also trigger secondary disasters like tsunamis, landslides,
and climate impacts due to the release of volcanic gases.
• Volcanic Hazards: Hazards include lava flows, ashfall, pyroclastic flows, volcanic bombs, and toxic gases
like sulfur dioxide. The long-term effects can also impact agriculture, water supplies, and air quality.
Disasters from Natural Forces
Preparedness: Both disasters emphasize
the need for effective early warning
systems, preparedness plans, and resilient
infrastructure to minimize loss of life and
damage.
Disasters from Natural Forces
In the Philippine context, typhoons and flooding are particularly significant
natural disasters due to the country's geographic location and vulnerability to
tropical storms. The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and is
frequently visited by typhoons, making it one of the most disaster-prone countries
in the world.

Typhoons are classified by their wind speed, with categories ranging from tropical
depressions to super typhoons.
Disasters from Natural Forces
Impact: Typhoons can cause widespread devastation, including:
•Strong Winds: Capable of damaging buildings, uprooting trees, and downing
power lines.

•Storm Surges: A rise in seawater level caused by the typhoon’s winds pushing
water onshore, leading to coastal flooding.
•Heavy Rainfall: Often leads to widespread flooding and landslides, particularly in
mountainous or low-lying areas.
Disasters from Natural Forces
Some of the most devastating typhoons in recent history include:
•Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013: One of the strongest typhoons ever
recorded, it caused massive destruction, particularly in the Eastern Visayas
region, and resulted in over 6,000 deaths.
•Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009: Brought record-breaking rainfall to Metro
Manila, causing severe flooding and highlighting the vulnerabilities of urban areas
to heavy storms.

•Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco) in 2020: Triggered widespread flooding across

Luzon, including Metro Manila, just weeks after Typhoon Rolly (Goni) had already
devastated parts of the country.
Disasters from Natural Forces
Flooding is a common consequence of typhoons in the Philippines, exacerbated by factors such as
deforestation, poor urban planning, and inadequate drainage systems.

Key Points:
• Urban Flooding: Cities like Metro Manila are particularly vulnerable to flooding due to rapid
urbanization, poor drainage infrastructure, and the clogging of waterways by waste. The flooding
during Typhoon Ondoy is a stark example of how urban areas can be paralyzed by heavy rainfall.
• River and Coastal Flooding: The Philippines has numerous rivers and a long coastline, making
many areas susceptible to riverine and coastal flooding. The Cagayan Valley, for example, is prone
to river flooding during typhoons, while coastal communities in places like Tacloban are vulnerable
to storm surges.
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and increasing rainfall intensity due to climate change are likely
to worsen flooding in the Philippines, making disaster preparedness even more crucial.
Disasters from Natural Forces
Preparedness and Response

• Early Warning Systems: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) plays a crucial role in monitoring weather conditions and issuing timely
warnings. The government and local authorities use these warnings to initiate pre-emptive evacuations
and other protective measures.

• Evacuation Centers: Designated evacuation centers in schools, churches, and other public buildings
provide temporary shelter for displaced families during typhoons and floods.

• Disaster Preparedness Programs: The government, along with non-governmental organizations,

regularly conducts disaster preparedness drills and educational campaigns to ensure communities know
how to respond during emergencies.

• Infrastructure Resilience: Efforts are ongoing to improve the resilience of infrastructure, such as
building stronger homes, enhancing flood control systems, and developing more efficient urban drainage.
Disasters from Natural Forces
Drought in the Philippines
Drought in the Philippines is typically characterized by a
prolonged period of below-average rainfall, leading to water
shortages, reduced crop yields, and environmental degradation.
It is most often associated with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation
(ENSO), a climatic phenomenon that significantly alters weather
patterns across the Pacific region.
Disasters from Natural Forces
•El Niño and Drought: The El Niño phenomenon, which occurs irregularly every 2
to 7 years, brings about warmer-than-usual ocean temperatures in the Pacific,
leading to reduced rainfall in the Philippines. This can result in severe drought
conditions across various parts of the country.
•Impact on Agriculture: The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable to
drought. Key crops like rice, corn, and sugarcane require consistent water supply,
and drought can devastate these crops, leading to food shortages and increased
prices. Livestock farming also suffers due to lack of water and fodder.
• Example: The 2015–2016 El Niño event led to one of the worst droughts in recent
Philippine history, severely impacting agricultural productivity and causing significant
economic losses, especially in Mindanao.
Disasters from Natural Forces
•Water Supply Issues: Drought leads to the depletion of water
resources, affecting both irrigation for farming and potable
water supply for communities. Rivers, reservoirs, and
groundwater levels drop, leading to water rationing and conflicts
over water use.
•Environmental Impact: Prolonged drought can lead to soil
degradation, desertification, and loss of biodiversity. Forests and
grasslands are at higher risk of wildfires during drought periods.
 Disasters from Natural Forces
Preparedness and Mitigation

• Monitoring and Forecasting: PAGASA, the country’s weather bureau, monitors climate patterns and provides
early warnings for potential droughts, particularly during El Niño years.

• Water Management: Building and maintaining irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and promoting water
conservation practices. Dams and reservoirs play a critical role in storing water for use during dry periods.

• Agricultural Adaptation: Farmers are encouraged to adopt drought-resistant crop varieties, practice crop
rotation, and use efficient irrigation techniques like drip irrigation.

• Reforestation and Watershed Management: Protecting and rehabilitating watersheds is crucial for
maintaining water availability during dry periods. Reforestation efforts help in sustaining the water cycle and
reducing soil erosion.

• Community Preparedness: Local government units (LGUs) and communities are actively involved in drought
preparedness through education, capacity building, and the implementation of local water-saving initiatives.
Community-based water management programs help in ensuring fair distribution and sustainable use of water
resources.
Infectious Diseases in the Philippines
Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as
bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that can be
transmitted from person to person, through contact
with contaminated surfaces, or via vectors like
mosquitoes
1. Dengue Fever
•Cause: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by Aedes
mosquitoes, which are abundant in the tropical climate of the Philippines.
•Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and
muscle pain, rash, and bleeding tendencies. Severe cases can lead to dengue
hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal.
•Impact: Dengue outbreaks are common, particularly during the rainy season
when mosquito breeding sites are more prevalent. The disease can overwhelm
healthcare facilities and lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
2. Tuberculosis (TB)

• Cause: Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which

primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body.

• Symptoms: Persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss,
and fever. TB is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected
person coughs or sneezes.

• Impact: The Philippines is among the countries with a high burden of TB. Despite
ongoing efforts to control the disease, it remains a major public health challenge,
particularly in densely populated urban areas.
3. Measles
•Cause: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles
virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets.
•Symptoms: High fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic
red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
•Impact: Measles outbreaks have occurred periodically in the Philippines,
particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage. The disease can lead to
serious complications, especially in young children.
4. Leptospirosis
•Cause: Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira species. It
is often contracted through contact with water contaminated by the urine of
infected animals, particularly rats.
•Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice,
and, in severe cases, kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, or respiratory
distress.
•Impact: Leptospirosis outbreaks frequently follow flooding events, which are
common in the Philippines due to its frequent typhoons and heavy rains. The
disease poses a significant risk to communities in flood-prone areas.
. 5. COVID-19
•Cause: COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which emerged as a global
pandemic in 2019.
•Symptoms: Fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and
in severe cases, pneumonia and multi-organ failure.
•Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the Philippines,
causing widespread illness, overburdening healthcare facilities, disrupting
economic activities, and leading to significant social challenges. The government
implemented various measures, including lockdowns, travel restrictions, and
mass vaccination campaigns, to control the spread of the virus.
Human-Induced Disasters
Human-induced disasters are catastrophic events that
result from human actions, whether intentional or
accidental. Unlike natural disasters, these events are
triggered by human activities that cause harm to people,
property, and the environment. In the Philippine context,
several types of human-induced disasters are particularly
relevant due to the country's rapid urbanization,
industrialization, and socio-political challenges.
Types of Human-Induced Disasters in the Philippines

1. Industrial Accidents

•Description: Industrial accidents occur in factories, chemical plants, and other

industrial settings due to unsafe practices, equipment failure, or human error.
These accidents can result in explosions, fires, toxic releases, and other
hazardous events.

•Example: The Marcopper Mining Disaster in 1996, one of the worst

environmental disasters in Philippine history, involved the spillage of toxic mine
waste into the Boac River in Marinduque, affecting thousands of residents and
causing long-term environmental damage.
2. Environmental Degradation
•Description: Human activities such as deforestation, illegal logging, mining, and
improper waste disposal contribute to environmental degradation. These
practices can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability
to natural disasters like landslides and flooding.

•Example: Widespread deforestation in the Sierra Madre mountain range has

made communities more susceptible to landslides and floods during typhoons, as
forests act as natural barriers that stabilize the soil and absorb rainwater.
Armed Conflict and Terrorism
•Description: Armed conflicts and acts of terrorism lead to loss of life,
displacement of populations, and destruction of infrastructure. The Philippines has
experienced various conflicts, particularly in Mindanao, where separatist
movements and terrorist groups have caused prolonged violence and instability.

•Example: The Marawi Siege in 2017, where terrorist groups took control of the
city of Marawi, led to a five-month-long battle with government forces. The
conflict resulted in significant loss of life, displacement of over 350,000 residents,
and widespread destruction of the city.
4. Urban Fires
•Description: Urban fires are common in densely populated areas, often due to
poor electrical wiring, overcrowded housing, and lack of fire safety measures.
These fires can quickly spread through informal settlements, causing extensive
damage and casualties.

•Example: The Ozone Disco Club fire in Quezon City in 1996 is one of the
deadliest fires in Philippine history, claiming the lives of 162 people. The fire was
attributed to poor building safety standards and overcrowding.
5. Transportation Accidents
•Description: Transportation accidents involve vehicles such as buses, trains,
airplanes, and ships. These accidents are often caused by human error,
mechanical failure, poor infrastructure, or non-compliance with safety regulations.
•Example: The sinking of the MV Doña Paz in 1987, the deadliest peacetime
maritime disaster in history, resulted in the loss of over 4,000 lives. The tragedy
was caused by a collision between the passenger ferry and an oil tanker,
highlighting issues of overcrowding and poor safety standards.
6. Pollution
•Description: Pollution, including air, water, and soil pollution, is often a result of
industrial activities, improper waste management, and urbanization. Pollution can
lead to health problems, environmental degradation, and contribute to climate
change.

•Example: The Pasig River, once a vital waterway in Manila, has suffered from
severe pollution due to industrial waste, sewage, and garbage disposal, making it
biologically dead for decades. Efforts to rehabilitate the river have been ongoing
but challenging.
Challenges and Responses

• Strengthening Regulations and Enforcement: Implementing and enforcing strict safety standards in
industries, transportation, and urban planning is crucial to prevent accidents and reduce risks. This
includes better building codes, fire safety measures, and environmental regulations.
• Disaster Preparedness and Response: Developing robust disaster preparedness and response plans is
essential for mitigating the impact of human-induced disasters. This includes training emergency
responders, conducting regular drills, and ensuring communities are aware of evacuation procedures.
• Public Awareness and Education: Raising public awareness about the risks associated with human-
induced disasters and promoting safety practices can help prevent accidents and reduce vulnerabilities.
• Environmental Protection: Protecting natural resources through sustainable practices, reforestation,
and pollution control measures is vital to prevent environmental degradation and its associated risks.
• Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: Addressing the root causes of armed conflict and promoting
peacebuilding efforts are critical for preventing violence and terrorism, which can lead to human-induced
disasters.