Option D terms and definitions

Option D terms and definitions

Term                                         Definition

Disaster                                     A major hazard event that causes widespread disruption to a                                                                   community or region that the affected community is unable to deal                                                         with adequately without outside help.

Hazard                                      A threat (whether natural or human) that has the potential to cause loss                                                  of life, injury, property damage, socio-economic disruption or                                                                environmental degradation.

Hazard event                            The occurrence (realization) of a hazard, the effects of which change                                                      demographic, economic and/or environmental conditions.

Risk                                          The probability of a hazard event causing harmful consequences                                                             (expected losses in terms of deaths, injuries, property damage,                                                               economy and environment).

Vulnerability                            The susceptibility of a community to a hazard or to the impacts of a                                                       hazard event.

Source: Diploma programme Geography guide. International Baccalaureate Organization 2009.