Natural Hazards and Disasters: A Case Study Approach

Natural hazards are natural phenomena that have a destructive effect on the built and natural environment. These hazards can be categorized into geophysical or biological hazards. Geophysical hazards include meteorological and geological disasters such as cyclones, floods, earthquakes, avalanches, etc. Biological hazards form the sub-class that encompasses a diverse array of infections, diseases and infestations. In order to reduce risks due to natural disasters, an effective hazard analysis needs to be undertaken. This typically involves an examination of hazards and their interrelationships. It also involves risk assessment for analyzing the vulnerability of built environment to such hazards. This book contains some path-breaking studies in this domain. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to natural hazards and disasters. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts