Hazards and effects: A review of recent events
The process of risk assessment occurs in the context of our understanding of hazards, both natural and human-caused, their effects and therefore the subsequent risks that exist. Unfortunately, (for those affected), a review of world events over the course of just a year provides us with a rich source of data on the nature of hazards and the effects they may cause when expressed. Understanding these, and the management issues they highlight is a fundamental goal of this subject, and of this course.
The following activity provides you with an opportunity to review some of the natural disasters that have recently occurred around the world. The source of information is the United Nations Humanitarian Affairs' "Relief Web".
Online activity
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I want you to visit this web site and examine the reports and updates provided relating to some of the disasters that have recently occurred around the world. |
Web Site: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/dbc.nsf/doc100?OpenForm
Or visit the Humanitarian Affairs home page at http://www.un.org/ha/ and follow the links to the "Relief Web".
These overviews of disasters from the "Relief Web" highlight many of the crucial steps necessary in analysing hazards and assessing risks and the need for accurate and comprehensive information during the risk assessment process. The availability of quality information relating to the hazards, community and environment provides an effective means to:
- identify hazards;
- accurately describe the nature of the hazard(s);
- better know and document the community and environment likely to be affected by the hazard(s);
- better understand the full effects, both short and long term, that hazards may have on the community and environment.