Causes of major disasters are many and diverse, and the risks associated
with them endanger human lives, property, the environment, the economy,
and even the country's political and social well-being. It is clear
that, with rapid population growth, environmental degradation, climate
change, poorly regulated industries, and continued economic uncertainty,
the chances are that communities may become more vulnerable to
disasters. The dramatic losses in recent years from volcanic eruptions,
earthquakes and landslides, wildland fires, droughts and floods,
cyclones and storm surges attest to the fact that we are still a long
way from applying even the knowledge we have today to make communities
safe. Tackling this problem requires a sound evaluation of disaster
mitigation policies and tools.
As a contribution to the International Decade for Natural Disasters
Reduction (IDNDR), the fifth international symposium HAZARDS-93 was held
in Qingdao, P.R. China on 29 August - 3 September, 1993. China is a
country frequently hit by almost all kinds of disasters. Its history is
one of combating natural disasters and working towards their reduction.
More than 250 scientists, engineers and government officials from 20
countries met for the purpose of engaging in a free exchange of
knowledge, experience and ideas regarding the scientific and
socio-economic aspects of mitigating losses from natural and man- made
disasters. A total of 180 papers were presented at 28 sessions covering
a very broad range of topics related to disaster management. The
twenty-one articles included in this book deal with the scientific and
management issues of land-based and marine hazards which cause the most
severe economic losses, deaths and environmental degradation in many
parts of the world. The book also includes specific recommendations
addressed to the IDNDR Secretariat, national governments and scientific
experts to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of disaster
management. Thus, Land-Based and Marine Hazards: Scientific and
Management Issues forms an excellent reference for scientists,
engineers, policy-makers and the insurance industry.
