3. Social definition of disaster

The difference between this definition and others is that the previous ones concentrate on the event while this one concentrates on the social phenomena accompanying the event. David Alexander in 2005 reported that disasters are not defined by fixed events, but by social constructs, and these are liable to change [12]. There is large debate and discussions between sociologists regarding the definition of disasters. There are more than 36 definitions of disasters from sociology perspective. Many scientists are involved in the evolution of the definition. E. L. Quarantelli in 2000 identified disasters in terms of a variety of defining features. They are as follows:

1. Of sudden-onset occasions,

them or decrease their effects on the community, instead of reaction to the disaster itself. As a

We need to define and classify disasters to have better knowledge and understanding of the problem. This will enable concerned specialists and leaders to discuss the conditions and responses needed in more detail. The response may include shifting of resources and manpower or preparing alternative places to shift victims. Analysis of disasters shows that all disasters share common characteristics; they include temporal and geographic footprints,

Disaster: The word disaster is derived from Middle French désastre and that from Old Italian disastro, which in turn comes from the Ancient Greek pejorative prefix δυσ-, (dus-) "bad" and ἀστήρ (aster), "star." The root of the word disaster ("bad star" in Greek) comes from an astrolog-

The linguistic definition of the world disaster is "a sudden calamitous event bringing great

World Health Organization (WHO) definition of disaster: "A disaster is an occurrence disrupting the normal conditions of existence and causing a level of suffering that exceeds the

United Nation Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) defines disasters as "A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society at any scale due to hazardous events interacting with conditions of exposure, vulnerability and capacity, leading to one or more of the following: human, material, economic and environmental losses and impacts" [10].

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines disaster as "An occurrence that has resulted in property damage, deaths, and/or injuries to a community. FEMA 1990" [11].

International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) added another factor to the definition: "A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community or society and causes human, material, and economic or environmental losses that exceed the community's or society's ability to cope using its own resources." Though often caused by

The difference between this definition and others is that the previous ones concentrate on the event while this one concentrates on the social phenomena accompanying the event. David Alexander in 2005 reported that disasters are not defined by fixed events, but by social

ical sense of a calamity blamed on the position of planets and ἀστήρ (aster), "star" [7].

matter of fact, education and training in disaster medicine are mandatory [4].

2. Definitions and classifications

94 Essentials of Accident and Emergency Medicine

damage, loss, or destruction" [8].

2.1. Why we need to define and classify disasters?

triggering hazard (or hazards), and vulnerabilities [5, 6].

capacity of adjustment of the affected community" [9].

nature, disasters can have human origins [11].

3. Social definition of disaster

