ABSTRACT
Of all disasters, famine is perhaps the most damaging. There have been more references to its occurrence historically than any other type of disaster, and throughout history the state has been involved with famine far more closely than with earthquake, flood, tsunami, storm surges and other types of disaster. 1 Generally the number of people affected has been far greater in famines, and its social and political impact on the affairs of state and rulers has been more profound. Also, behind each case of excess mortality from famine there lies a much wider net of destitution, displacement and impoverishment that may endure for many years after the acute symptoms of famine have subsided.
