Synopsis The hilly terrain of India is spread over 98 districts. These areas due to their topographic, geological and climatic conditions are very prone to various types of natural disasters. The book, as indicated by its name aims to apprise the readers about natural disasters in these regions and their management. An outcome of extensive survey in some disaster affected parts of Uttranchal and critical analysis of the views of various stakeholders in the context of prevailing disaster management policies and planning, the book suggests a more appropriate and innovative approach of linking disaster management with sustainable rural development. The book contains ten chapters with an introduction giving details about the natural disasters in the country, particularly in hill areas and problems being faced in their management. After discussing prevailing physical, social and economical situation in hill regions, particularly in Uttranachal and the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters, the book attempts to critically analyse the situation using SWOT in the context of present policies and their implementation in these areas. After critically analyzing the situation, a model has been suggested by adopting innovative ways of linking disaster management with sustainable rural development. “Modelling” as an approach has been suggested to formulate appropriate disaster management plans and their proper implementation to get better results in the field of disaster management in hill area of the country.