There has been an increase in the number of natural disaster over the past few years and with it, increasing losses on account of rapid urbanization and population growth as a result of which the impact of natural disaster s is now felt to a large extent. An attempt, has therefore, been made through this book to provide a gist of current and relevant information on various aspects of natural disaster and related environmental and technological hazards.

The present volume provides a comprehensive and authoritative account of natural and man-made disasters. An excellent text which offers a versatile and in-depth account of floods and droughts, landslides, earthquakes and tsunamis, atmospheric and weather related hazards, water and soil related pollution problems, land degradation, deforestation, wetlands and forest fires, disasters and human health, rehabilitation/ settlement, response and recovery and social and gender issues. Extensive references have been provided to show the sources of data on which conclusion may be derived and principles based. The through referencing will also help those who wish to learn more about specific topics.

We hope that this publication would be reference document to serve the needs of researches of various disciplines, policy makers, planners and administrators to formulate strategies for management of natural and man-made disasters.