ABSTRACT
While human agents are thought to direct the path of technological change, and of economic, political and social developments, there are nevertheless occasions when accidents or events occur, which are outside human control. When the consequences affect numerous individuals or whole groups, communities or societies, the term 'disaster' is used. Such events result in loss: death and bereavement; injury and disability; loss of homes, livelihoods and sometimes local power, transport and civic infrastructure, and varying degrees of emotional trauma for survivors, relatives and the helping personnel.
