ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a brief section on selected definitions of natural disasters wherein human deaths are imbedded either explicitly or implicitly in such definitions. Subsequent to this section is an overview of deaths and disaster classifications, followed by a thorough examination of types of disaster deaths, which are explained by disaggregating between direct and indirect deaths as well as deaths caused by primary versus secondary/tertiary events. Problems and place of disaster deaths are discussed, followed by sections where disaster death studies and sources of information are briefly reviewed. The objectives of this book are then presented, along with need for the book. Finally, the chapter outline is provided. This chapter provides background information to aid in understanding the complexities of deaths associated with natural disasters.
