The text offers a comprehensive and unique perspective on disaster risk associated with natural hazards. It covers a wide range of topics, reflecting the most recent debates but also older and pioneering discussions in the academic field of disaster studies as well as in the policy and practical areas of disaster risk reduction (DRR). This book will be of particular interest to undergraduate students studying geography and environmental studies/science. It will also be of relevance to students/professionals from a wide range of social and physical science disciplines, including public health and public policy, sociology, anthropology, political science and geology.

The text offers a comprehensive and unique perspective on disaster risk associated with natural hazards. It covers a wide range of topics, reflecting the most recent debates but also older and pioneering discussions in the academic field of disaster studies as well as in the policy and practical areas of disaster risk reduction (DRR). This book will be of particular interest to undergraduate students studying geography and environmental studies/science. It will also be of relevance to students/professionals from a wide range of social and physical science disciplines, including public health and public policy, sociology, anthropology, political science and geology.

Since the 1960s there has been a constant evolution in the common understanding of international disaster management. Despite international efforts aimed at reducing the impact of hazards on humankind, very little progress was made. Disaster losses are on the increase. Unsustainable developmental activities could in most instances be blamed for the high level of disaster risk present in communities. This monograph aims to develop a comprehensive multi-sphere disaster reduction framework that is tailor-made for the strategic management arena in South Africa. The research provides the reader with a background study on the international development of the concept of disaster risk reduction and its components. It focuses on disaster risk management and disaster management within the South African context. International disaster risk reduction frameworks are analytically compared and aligned with international best practices. Subsequently the South African National Disaster Management Policy Framework is analysed and compared to the findings of the international comparison. In conclusion this monograph provides a new disaster risk reduction framework for South Africa.