Synopsis Natural disasters have always fascinated scientists and the common man alike. Unprecedented and unimaginable in scale, natural disasters have the capacity to change the face of Nature. Natural disasters are an area of multidisciplinary research and policy analysis. In spite of technological advancement, man is unable to predict or control disasters. The perennial question is ‘Is disaster natural or manmade?’ The answer cannot be either but a mixed one. To begin with, it may be natural, but often gets precipitated by human intervention. Disasters turn into massive calamities if not properly managed. From an economic perspective, a disaster implies some combination of losses in human, physical and financial capital and a reduction in economic activity. India has a long history of disasters. Frequent earthquakes, cyclones, floods, drought and tsunami have created awareness about management of natural disasters. The effects of these disasters could be minimized by strictly following the appropriate management practices. The purpose of this book is to increase awareness of disaster management issues. It focuses on the costs, consequences and experiences of natural disasters. It highlights the ideas for improving the governance and management of disaster preparedness and rehabilitation to help beat the death toll and reduce losses.