Applying the SDMS model to manage natural disasters in Mexico

Throughout history, natural disasters have exacted a heavy toll of death and suffering and are increasing worldwide. During the past 34 years they have claimed about four million lives worldwide, adversely affected the lives of at least a billion more people, and resulted in property damage exceeding $50 billion (Guha-Sapir and Lechat 1986b; National Research Council (NRC) 1987; International 1998; Office 2001). Projections based on available data suggest that, in the U.S. alone, the costs of natural disasters between 1995 and 2010 will approach $100 billion and the loss of 5,000 lives.