ABSTRACT
The human response to natural hazards seems to be generating or at least permitting an increase in property losses, especially in countries where economic growth is rapid and modern technology is spreading fast. Some hazards are created by persistent inhabitance of dangerous areas or by alteration of the land or water, while others are exacerbated by efforts to reduce the risk. The record of disasters teaches the following important lessons. Firstly, the high cost of destruction of life and property engendered by natural catastrophes makes it imperative that experience, skills and research capacity are shared at the international level. Secondly, in natural hazards studies the emphasis has been placed firmly on technological perspectives such as the design of monitoring and warning systems. Thirdly, in developed countries, heavy reliance on civil and structural engineering works for protection against disasters has led to increases in both productivity and vulnerability.
