Description: Disasters come in different forms and shapes. Some are sudden and generally localized, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, and some volcanic eruptions. Some are less sudden and may cover wider areas, and can do damage for longer periods. These include famines, pandemics, some volcanic eruptions, and climate changes. <break>The impact on lives and on property can be minor or enormous. It may be easier to deal with some disasters than with others. Generally, disasters have been considered “Acts of God,” acts against which people feel incapable of protection. Because of that, often there are, perhaps irrational, reactions that ignore their possible coming. The institutional organization of the world (in many countries and in national governments) often increases the difficulties of dealing with damaging events that are global in their impact.