The actual risk for a country to suffer in a long term from a natural disaster depends on the actual exposure but also on the vulnerability of a society (how can they cope and adapt to the event). Central America as well as big parts of Africa and Asia are at high risk to suffer in a long term from natural disasters.

The chart compares 2 earthquakes and their different results for the countries. The number of deaths for Haiti is far higher (higher population density and a lesser standard of living, worse conditions after the event). However, the material loss for Chile was higher due to a bigger economy but the actual impact of the economy was far less due to a higher GDP, quicker response and better measures after the event. Different factors of a country decide about the long-term impact of a natural disaster .

Dan Collyns

Five thousand metres above the most biodiverse corner of the Amazon, tropical ecologist Greg Asner and his team see a kaleidoscope of colours among a mass of green.

Geoffrey Kamadi

NAIROBI, Kenya (AlertNet) – Satellite technology is coming to the aid of pastoralists in drought-stricken Kenya, with the expansion of a water monitoring system that aims to reduce livestock loss.

Amy O'Donnell

 World Radio Day celebrates radio's role in empowering people in remote communities – not just as a source of information, but increasingly as a way to make their own voices heard

Tanzeel Akhtar

 Wouldn't this bring the WRSC to whole new level of experience? Smartboards will make WRSC a really interactive collaborative event!

Google Earth on a smartboard

Written by Jeff Thurston