Chapter 12 : Natural disasters

ABSTRACT

Disasters due to natural causes result in significant losses, physical destruction of dwellings, social and economic disruption, human pain and suffering, injury, and loss of life. This chapter presents the reader with a broad overview of the most frecuently occuring natural/environmental disasters, their impact on communities, and their associated morbidity and mortality. Disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation activities specific to each type of disasters are discussed. Case studies of naturally ocurring disaster are presented as evidence of the scope of disaster's impact and can be used to evaluate previous disaster response efforts and to predict future needs (AU)