This textbook provides a thorough introduction to natural disaster risk
management. Many aspects of disaster risk management, such as those
involved in earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, avalanches and
mudslides call for similar prevention and preparedness instruments,
management concepts, and countermeasures. This textbook assumes the
viewpoint of a regional disaster risk manager who is responsible for a
certain area, and for making the lives of the people who live there
safer, regardless of the type of natural disaster that may occur. The
same holds true for boosting preparedness and awareness in the
population at risk. The book includes numerous examples of hazard
mitigation concepts and techniques, as well as ways of intensively
involving the local population in prevention schemes at an early stage.
Furthermore, it provides an in-depth examination of the function of risk
communication, both as an instrument for disseminating official
information and as a function of public media. In closing, a chapter on
risk splitting offers insights into insurance-based models for risk
financing. This comprehensive book is a must-read for all students,
researchers and practitioners dealing with natural disaster risk
management.