Book Description

Throughout history, humanity has found itself in conflict with naturally occurring events of geologic, hydrologic, & atmospheric origin. The magnitude of the losses of life & property is increasing rapidly as the building wealth of nations is expanded to meet the needs of increasing pop¿n., often without adequate consideration of the potential threat posed by the recurrent natural hazards & without implementing effective loss-reduction measures because of lack of knowledge or lack of technical capability. This article discusses the establishment by the U.N. of the Internat. Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (1990-2000) & its primary goal -- to devise strategies to reduce loss of life, property damage, & social & economic disruption from natural hazards. Photos.