ABSTRACT
Natural catastrophes thus have the power to exert a substantial and consistent influence on modern society. Globally, it appears that the toll of death and damage in natural disasters is increasing, although there is no international databank of sufficient comprehensiveness to verify this supposition. The degree to which a society remains unaffected by natural extremes reflects its ability to adapt to hazards. The late twentieth century has witnessed a substantial increase in the risk of natural disaster, which has been offset only partially by better preparation and mitigation. The relief operations that usually follow major international disasters must take account of some salient problems. The misapprehension of disasters begins with the assumption that the natural environment need not be treated with much respect. Natural catastrophe may have social, economic and medical consequences. Essentially, time defines the linear direction of natural catastrophes and space is their medium of expression.
