ABSTRACT
Natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, tropical cyclones and disease epidemics are normal functions of the natural environment. Natural hazards can be classified in many different ways. Physical geographical approaches may divide them according to their geological, hydrological, atmospheric and biological origins. They can also be classified spatially, as certain hazards only occur in certain regions: avalanches occur in snowy, mountainous areas, for example, and most volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur at tectonic plate margins. The steps taken to manage a disaster, whether natural or otherwise, can be taken by governments, particular groups or the whole society, but some can also be taken by individuals. The steps are typically divided into four categories: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. This chapter focuses on an analysis of the causes of deaths from all types of disasters over the period 1900–90 compiled by the US Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.
