Natural disasters, response, recovery, and mitigation are important topics for policy makers, sustainable development specialists, technical experts and teachers. The occurrences and distributions of natural disaster events and the responses and mitigation practices associated with them are presented in the book. Experts on natural disaster topics and regional experts on natural disasters provide compelling information. A rich background in natural disasters and the places where they frequently occur is presented. The chapter authors' discussions address the physical attributes of natural events and secondly, the role of education and training as mitigation strategies. This second perspective examines mitigation practices. Alternatives beyond disaster response and recovery are being practiced in many places. The role of education and training is highlighted. It is intended that the book be a welcome addition to working in natural disasters policies, education, training, and improving the public understanding of natural disasters and the mitigation of their effects. This volume includes a CD-ROM containing electronic versions, in full color if available, of the figures which are all printed in black-and-white in the book.