Natural disasters Books

Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of the prevention, risk factors and management of natural disasters. Topics discussed include typhoon and hurricane prediction; point-of-care testing in complex emergency and disaster resilience; management strategies for children during natural disasters; torrential floods prevention; information technology and simulation in disaster management; quantile approach application to seismic risk assessment; the increase of natural disasters as a result of global climate change; coping with disaster trauma; paleo-landslides in central Serbia; how the elderly cope during disasters and crises; and government involvement in Connecticut during Tropical Storm Irene.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides bibliographic resources on the response, restoration and research initiatives of oil spills, most notably, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico and its impacts on the marine ecosystem and coastal environment.

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Book SynopsisThe growing number of disaster declarations (a record 98 in fiscal year 2011 compared with 65 in 2004) has contributed to increased federal disaster costs. FEMA leads federal efforts to respond to and recover from disasters and makes recommendations to the President, who decides whether to declare a disaster and increase the usual federal cost share of 75 percent. This book addresses the number of declarations requested and approved from fiscal years 2004-2011 and associated Disaster Relief Fund obligations; the criteria FEMA uses to recommend a declaration for public assistance, and the extent that FEMA assesses whether an effective response to a disaster was beyond the capabilities of state and local governments; how FEMA determines whether to recommend cost share adjustments, and their costs; and FEMA''s administrative cost percentages for declarations.

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Book SynopsisFor most of us, the impression of the word "tsunami" is a combination of multiple elements of action movie, thriller, drama and science fiction, which can only be experienced through movies such as "The Poseidon Adventure", "The Impossible", "Bait 3D", and "Haewundae, 2012". However, we have now indeed witnessed a tsunami in 2011. People are now very concerned and some are afraid of the realisation of movie scenes in our real life. More research fields have started to give attention and thought to the tsunami itself and its impact on economics, disaster management and future challenges. This book discloses the close relationship between the tsunami and all aspects of our real life: communities, markets, economic systems, industrial operations, the natural environment, medical care, emergency response, and whole societies. This book is timely and in some ways timeless; the issues discussed within its pages are matters that are of interest to all people across the world and really across time. The chapters presented focus on the theoretical positions and cognition about engineering, and different segments of research fields: the innovative integration of geographic information system with point-of-care testing for emergency response and disaster management after tsunami (Chapter 1), the adaptive capacity building through public participation (Chapter 2), the modelling and simulation of mixing and sediment processes induced by tsunamis propagating upriver (Chapter 3), the perspective of risk quantification for commercial nuclear power plants (Chapter 4), and the future role of mathematical modelling for local energy shortage recovery after tsunamis (Chapter 5). These chapters demonstrate the complexities involved in attempting to understand the impact of tsunamis in different aspects. Furthermore, it will also help to improve disaster management systems for better preparedness and future challenges.

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Book SynopsisAn earthquake is a natural disaster that causes damage world-wide. Not only earthquakes of high magnitude, but also those of small magnitude that strike unprepared regions can cause economic and social consequences, and many casualties. Unlike other natural disasters, the exact time of an earthquake cannot be estimated; scientists can only predict the timeline and magnitude based on the history of earthquakes in a region. Even though current technology cannot predict the precise time, location or magnitude, public awareness about the estimations allows both individuals and government to be ready for their devastating effects. This book begins by discussing how public awareness about the effects of earthquakes and how to prepare for a possible earthquake which can potentially save lives. The book then continues with topics that include seismic PRA; seismic safety assessments of existing buildings; psychiatric reactions of individuals to earthquakes; possible relation between an intense earthquake and the voltage signal generated by atmospheric ionic currents and/or sudden change of the electric field in the air; and others.

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Book SynopsisThis book is about flooding, the risk it imposes on human well-being and related activities, and the main approaches used to deal with the impacts. The aim is to derive lessons for flood risk management. The book covers experiences from case studies in the five countries of Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Brazil and Taiwan. It indicates that in most areas around the world, floods disrupt human activities and also pose threats to human well-being whereas in other areas, particularly wetlands around the world, they are viewed as useful for the sustainability of ecosystems and human livelihoods. Due to climate variability and change, floods are expected to increase in frequency and intensity throughout the world. There is need to evaluate the current structural and non-structural approaches for dealing with flood risk and the impacts on human systems. Decision-making on the adoption of either structural or non-structural approaches to flood risk largely depends on information available and the means to achieve the intended objectives. Understanding the risk posed by flooding requires multidisciplinary assessments on the biophysical, socio-economic and cultural factors underlying the vulnerability of human systems. The book starts by identifying some methods which may be useful for flood assessments. Furthermore, it identifies the impacts of flooding and assesses the pros and cons of the related structural and non-structural responses. The challenges observed from the two main approaches are identified and suggestions are made for promoting flood risk management. Suggestions are made for strengthening support for non-structural approaches which are still inadequate in most developing countries, and require improvement in developed countries, given the increasingly complex nature of flood risk posed by extremes in climate variability.

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Book SynopsisCongressional interest in Gulf Coast assistance has increased in recent years because of the significant amount of assistance provided to the region. Congress has also been interested in how the money has been spent, what resources have been provided to the region, and whether the money has reached the people and entities intended to receive the funds. This book provides information on federal financial assistance provided to the Gulf States after major disasters were declared in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas in response to the widespread destruction that resulted from Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005 and Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008. This book also describes the various components of the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), including what authorities have shaped it over the years; how FEMA determines the amount of the appropriation requested to Congress (pertaining to the DRF); and how emergency supplemental appropriations are requested. Information is also provided on funds appropriated in supplemental appropriations legislation to agencies other than the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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Book SynopsisHurricane Sandy struck the East Coast with incredible power and fury, wreaking havoc in communities across the region. Entire neighbourhoods were flooded. Families lost their homes. Businesses were destroyed. Infrastructure was torn apart. After all the damage was done, it was clear that the region faced a long, hard road back. That is why President Obama pledged to work with local partners every step of the way to help affected communities rebuild and recover. On August 19, 2013, the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force released its Rebuilding Strategy for the Sandy impacted region. The Rebuilding Strategy included a long-term plan for rebuilding that guides Sandy supplemental spending to drive regional co-ordination and make communities more resilient to future disasters. The Rebuilding Strategy also aligns federal, state and local policies to achieve goals that are important to the long-term rebuilding of the region in the most economically efficient, ecologically robust and innovative ways possible. This book discusses the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Strategy in detail.

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Book SynopsisFor most disasters across the nation, the affected local, state, or tribal governments have sufficient capabilities to respond to the incident. However, for disasters with consequences that require unique capabilities or that overwhelm the existing capabilities of a respective state or tribal government, Congress has authorised and appropriated a suite of deployable federal assets to support domestic disaster response operations. This book reviews several key concepts about these federal assets, and highlights possible issues Congress may consider when evaluating their authorisation and appropriation. This book also provides information that can aid policymakers as they navigate through the many levels of responsibility, and numerous policy pressure points, by having an understanding of the laws and administrative policies governing the disaster response and recovery process. The book also reviews the legislative framework that exists for providing federal assistance, as well as the implementing polices the executive branch employs to provide supplemental help to state, tribal, and local governments during time of disasters.

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Book SynopsisWhen there is a catastrophe in the United States, state and local governments lead response activities, invoking state and local legal authorities to support them. When state and local response capabilities are overwhelmed, the President, acting through the Secretary of Homeland Security, can provide assistance to stricken communities, individuals, governments, and not-for-profit groups to assist in response and recovery. Aid is provided under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act) upon a presidential declaration. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) also has both standing and emergency authorities in the Public Health Service Act, by which he or she can provide assistance in response to public health and medical emergencies. This book examines, with respect to public health and medical incidents, the authorities and coordinating mechanisms of the President and the Secretary of HHS in providing routine assistance, and assistance pursuant to the Stafford Act and/or the Public Health Service Act; mechanisms to assure a coordinated federal response to these incidents, and overlaps or gaps in agency responsibilities; and existing mechanisms, potential gaps, and proposals to fund the costs of a response to public health and medical incidents.

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Book SynopsisThe National Response Framework is a guide to how the Nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies. It is built on scalable, flexible, and adaptable concepts identified in the National Incident Management System to align key roles and responsibilities across the Nation. This Framework describes specific authorities and best practices for managing incidents that range from the serious but purely local to large-scale terrorist attacks or catastrophic natural disasters. The National Response Framework describes the principles, roles and responsibilities, and co-ordinating structures for delivering the core capabilities required to respond to an incident and further describes how response efforts integrate with those of the other mission areas. The structures, roles, and responsibilities described in this Framework can be partially or fully implemented in the context of a threat or hazard, in anticipation of a significant event, or in response to an incident. Selective implementation of National Response Framework structures and procedures allows for a scaled response, delivery of the specific resources and capabilities, and a level of coordination appropriate to each incident. This book discusses the National Response Framework, as well as the National Disaster Recovery Framework in full detail.

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Book SynopsisNatural catastrophic events such as volcano eruptions have greatly affected environments in wide regions around the world. Ash and gases impelled by these eruptions into the atmosphere carry large volumes of particles of different sizes (nanometer and ultrafine) that are scattered around the earth. However, the greater accumulation of different grain size was observed in the range of 10 kilometres from the centre of the volcano, causing devastating effect. The most important consequences of this type of event are loss of habitats for flora and fauna. This book discusses the triggers of volcanic eruptions, as well as environmental effects and the role they play in climate change.

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Book SynopsisTyphoons pose a threat for coastal populations, offshore and onshore industries, shipping, agriculture, or forestry. Thus it is of great interest to assess future changes in cyclone activity. Thereby tropical cyclones may change both in frequency and intensity or they may have different track locations, shapes, dimensions or lifetimes. This book discusses risk prediction, crisis management and economic and environmental impacts of typhoons and landslides.

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Book SynopsisWildland fire has and continues to impact humans and our environment both positively and negatively. Being able to co-exist with fire on the landscape is becoming increasingly more important as man expands his use of the world''s ecosystems. This book is the latest contribution dedicated towards the scholarship surrounding the subject of wildland fires. The present volume consists of a collection of essays covering fire science and technology topics that support the management of wildfires and prescribed fires written by specialists in their respective fields. The nine chapters cover the following: (i) the need of fire and the consequences of policies of attempted fire exclusion to try and manage the wildfire problem; (ii) a review of the current state-of-knowledge of the role of remote sensing technologies in managing wildfires; (iii) a description of how the Canadian system of forest fire danger rating has been introduced into Argentina; (iv) the rationale for adding an "QA" for anchor point(s) to the LCES (Lookout(s)-- Communication(s) -- Escape routes -- Safety zone(s)) safety system for wildland firefighters, thus denoting LACES; (v) a case study involving the use of cloud-based geographic information system on the 2013 Silver Fire in southern California; (vi) the deaths that have occurred amongst rural firefighters and members of the public in Greece since 1997; (vii and viii) two separate overviews of the history, ecology and management of two large Argentinian regions of South America; and (ix) an assessment undertaken of wildland firefighter fatalities in South Africa over the past twenty years or so.

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Book SynopsisThe magnitude 9.0 Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011, claiming over 20,000 lives. It crippled the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, whose hydrogen-air explosions contaminated wide areas around Fukushima with radionuclides. The number of evacuees initially totaled 328,903, but has been reduced to 263,392 as of February 13, 2014. More than half of the evacuees (132,500) consist of Fukushima residents, and 67% of whom have experienced mental or physical disorders. Indeed, refugee life is so difficult that many Fukushima families have been affected by suicide, divorce, separation of family members, migration and settlement to other places, mental illness, etc. The difficulty is caused by the fear of low-dose radiation induced by the LNT model which claims that radiation cancer risk is linearly proportional to dose without any threshold. Careful scrutiny of the model, however, clearly indicates that the linearity is invalid; low dose radiation is not hazardous, but is even beneficial or hormetic because of the adaptive response to radiation. This book provides ample evidence to negate the LNT model. This book is primarily compiled to get rid of the spell of the LNT model and release Fukushima people from undue torture. The book would also be useful to the public in general who have CT scans and have concerns. In addition, the people who use radiation world-wide such as nuclear power plant workers, radiation researchers, radiologists, and X-ray operators would be relieved to learn from reading this book that the alleged risk of low-dose radiation is illusionary and that the low-dose radiation is even beneficial. Policy makers of nuclear energy and radiation who are working for governmental and/or regulatory agencies are also recommended to read this book. Severe guidelines from a safety standpoint sometimes entrap people into a fear-stricken situation rather than save them, as no one was killed by radiation directly, but more than 1,000 people have been killed by the fear of radiation secondarily in Fukushima. By the same token, this book is recommended to civil activists and journalists who emphasise dangers of low-dose radiation and raise fear of low-dose radiation. It is the time to shed new scientific light on the outdated LNT model.

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Book SynopsisHurricane Sandy struck the United States in October 2012, causing an estimated $65 billion in damages. FEMA provides assistance to survivors through IHP and other programs. Part of its mission is to provide assistance quickly, but the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) previously identified weaknesses in FEMA''s ability to do so while protecting government resources. Moreover, GAO''s 2006 reports on Hurricane Katrina and Rita showed that FEMA did not consistently validate the identity of applicants or inspect damaged properties. This book discusses the extent to which FEMA implemented controls to help prevent IHP payments that are at risk of being improper or potentially fraudulent; and challenges FEMA and states faced obtaining information to help prevent IHP payments from duplicating or overlapping with other sources in its response to Hurricane Sandy. This book also discusses the timeliness of SBA''s disaster assistance to small businesses; the loan approval rates for small businesses and reasons for decline for Hurricane Sandy and previous disasters; the extent to which SBA has implemented programs mandated by the Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2008; the progress DOT has made allocating, obligating, and disbursing DRAA surface transportation funds; how FTA''s new Public Transportation Emergency Relief program compares to FEMA''s and FHWA''s emergency relief programs; and the extent to which FTA and FEMA have implemented their memorandum of agreement to coordinate their roles and responsibilities when providing assistance to transit agencies.

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Book SynopsisSolar activity causes changes in the magnetic field on the surface of the Earth. If these changes are insignificant, they do not affect life on Earth. However, rapid variations of the geomagnetic field, the so-called magnetic storms, which have the character of shock waves, may adversely affect living organisms (including humans), and the technical systems that people use. The book presents a conceptual design that allows prediction of electrical power system emergency conditions caused by magnetic storms. Finally, the authors'' present a comprehensive analysis of perturbations in the low- and mid-latitude ionosphere during moderate recurrent geomagnetic storms.

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Book SynopsisBook & CD. The development of unconventional oil and natural gas resources using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has created new demand for wastewater disposal wells that inject waste fluids into deep geologic strata. An increasing concern in the United States is that injection of these fluids may be responsible for increasing rates of seismic activity. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Underground Injection Control (UIC) program regulates injection of fluids related to oil and gas production as Class II injection wells for the protection of underground sources of drinking water (USDWs). Because seismic events from injection have the potential to cause endangerment of underground sources of drinking water, the UIC program director should be aware of that potential and be prepared with response options should seismic events become a concern. This purpose of this book is to discuss the relationship between deep-well injections and induced seismicity.

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Book SynopsisThe Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 appropriated about $50 billion for recovery from Hurricane Sandy, part of which was intended for disaster resilience and hazard mitigation. This book reviews federal efforts to strengthen disaster resilience during Hurricane Sandy recovery. It addresses how federal recovery funds were used to enhance resilience; the extent to which states and localities were able to maximise federal funding to enhance resilience; and actions that could enhance resilience for future disasters.

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Book SynopsisIn 1950, the biggest firestorm documented in North America—one fire alone burned 3,500,000 acres of boreal forest in northern Alberta and British Columbia—created the world’s largest smoke layer in the atmosphere. The smoke travelled half way around the northern hemisphere and made the moon and sun appear blue. The Chinchaga Firestorm is an historical study of the effects of fire on the ecological process. Using technical explanations and archival discoveries, the author shows the beneficial yet destructive effects of many forest fires, including the 2011 devastation of Slave Lake, Alberta. Cordy Tymstra tells the stories of communities and individuals as their lives intersected with the path of the Chinchaga River Fire—stories that demonstrate people’s spirit, resourcefulness, self-sufficiency, and their persistence in the struggle against nature’s immense power. The 1950 event changed the way these fires are fought in Alberta and elsewhere. The Chinchaga Firestorm will appeal to wildland fire scientists, foresters, forest ecologists and policy makers, as well as those who are interested in western Canadian history and ecology. Foreword by Mike Flannigan.Trade Review"This is surely the definitive account of the Chinchaga complex. It will be welcomed by the North American fire community and by anyone interested in the settlement of the Boreal Plains Ecozone of western Canada." [Full review at http://ow.ly/TsvvW] -- Stephen J. Pyne * BC Studies *"[Tymstra] ties in the impacts on wildfire ecology, wildfire management policy, wildfire behaviour, smoke and most interestingly of all, the human side of the whole event. People’s stories intertwine with historical facts and demonstrate their resilience and persistence in the struggle against wildfire." -- Janelle Lane * Environment and Parks Insight *"...the author not only describes the fire and its impact, but adds technical details and history to survey forest fires at other times and how people handled them. Though the 1950 fire changed how fires are fought in Alberta and elsewhere, they also affected scientific research, forest management, and ecological studies, making this survey of western Canadian history a far-ranging examination holding much more of interest beyond its Canadian boundaries." * The Bookwatch *"The Chinchaga Firestorm" [describes] this multi-faceted powerful event with the technical focus and depth of a scientific investigation woven into an engaging narrative drawn from historical archives and personal accounts. Simultaneously a compelling read and rich source of knowledge, Tymstra’s book is equally stimulating for a general audience and for seasoned environmental scientists, managers, and policy makers.... The Chinchaga Firestorm concludes with a compelling and timely argument for a fire management paradigm shift designed to meet the challenges of this century." -- Christopher J. Dunn * Ecology *"This book by Tymstra combines an analysis of the largest complex of wild land fires recorded in North America with a compelling narrative of the human response.... The analysis presents data in tables, charts, graphs, and maps, illustrating the causes and effects of the firestorm. The narrative presents the human dimension of firefighting, the frustration of inappropriate policy and a distant bureaucracy, and the innovative (often in defiance of policy) tactics in responding to wild land fire. This work is an amazing scientific contribution to fire science, ecology, public policy, human geography, and Canadian history. It is a great story for general readers as well. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels." [Full review at http://bit.ly/1SPLshF] -- E.J. Delaney * Choice Magazine *"This is an excellent, well written, and detailed study of the 1950 fire and of the events that followed." * Alberta History *"Tymstra’s book lies roughly halfway between the ripping good firefighting yarn, as exemplified by Norman McLean’s Young Men and Fire (1993), and the intellectually compelling analyses of fire in human affairs of the sort produced by Pyne or by Johan Goudsblom (Fire and Civilization, 1992). Not a bad place for a book to be." J.R. McNeill, May 2017 -- J. R. McNeillTable of Contentsforeword acknowledgements introduction / Land of Fire ONE the lost bc fire TWO black sunday THREE dark days in the past FOUR blue moon, blue sun FIVE the big smoke SIX the big wind SEVEN policy changes EIGHT ring of steel conclusion / The Big Think notes bibliography index

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Book SynopsisFinalist, Balsillie Prize for Public Policy and Victoria Butler Book PrizeA Globe and Mail Top 100 BookThe Big One and what we can do to get ready for it.Mention the word earthquake and most people think of California. But while the Golden State shakes on a regular basis, Washington State, Oregon, and British Columbia are located in a zone that can produce the world’s biggest earthquakes and tsunamis. In the eastern part of the continent, small cities and large, from Ottawa to Montréal to New York City, sit in active earthquake zones. In fact, more than 100-million North Americans live in active seismic zones, many of whom do not realize the risk to their community.For more than a decade, Gregor Craigie interviewed scientists, engineers, and emergency planners about earthquakes, disaster response, and resilience. He has also collected vivid first-hand accounts from people who have survived deadly earthquakes. His fascinating and deeply researched book dives headfirst into explaining the science behind The Big One — and asks what we can do now to prepare ourselves for events geologists say aren't a matter of if, but when.Trade Review“On Borrowed Time takes us on a tour of North American earthquakes, from the West Coast to the Atlantic Ocean. Gregor Craigie’s well-written and comprehensive jewel provides us with an accurate understanding of earthquake science, while exploring our fears and perceptions about future large quakes.” -- John Clague, Emeritus Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Simon Fraser University“On Borrowed Time is an impressive and timely reminder that large earthquakes can occur right across North America and that each passing day draws us closer to the inevitable next big one. But, as Craigie reminds us, earthquakes should not be anything to fear — providing we prepare properly.” -- Edwin Nissen, Associate Professor/Canada Research Chair in Geophysics, University of Victoria“On Borrowed Time is the culmination of decades of interviews and research and about four and a half years of actual writing. What sets it apart is Craigie not only speaks with seismologists and oceanographers, but actual survivors.” -- John Ackermann * City News 1130 *“On Borrowed Time is not a breezy read. It is an exhausting and sobering treatise on the very nature of the Earth beneath our feet and the peril of neglecting the individual and collective community preparedness that must take place — if not now, then soon.” -- Clin Newell * Coffee Crew *“On Borrowed Time moves swiftly from the west to the east coast of North America, and the earthquake phenomenon reveals itself as Craigie describes the causes and results of quakes that most readers will never have heard of.” -- Brian Harvey * Ormsby Review *

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Book SynopsisIt was another time. Deadly earthquakes, steamboat explosions, floods, train wrecks, and other tragedies were a part of everyday life in nineteenth-century California. Yet, the men and women of the day licked their wounds, mourned their dead, picked up the pieces, and plunged ahead to build a great prosperous new state that took its place in the forefront of our great Union. This is their stories, in their own words. First-person accounts of the major 19th century California catastrophes. Includes scores of contemporary period photographs and other illustrations.

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Book SynopsisWhile it focuses on the 2004 tsunami, the book resonates powerfully in todayâs worldâone increasingly ravaged by climate change-induced calamities. From cyclones to floods, the echoes of 2004 remind us that natureâs fury remains ever-present.

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Book SynopsisA series of four books blend fact and fiction to explore hope and resilience in the face of natural and man-made adversities. Through the perspectives of young protagonists Salim, Chika, Pari, and Indrani, the stories highlight the role of children in driving change and preventing future calamities.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisIn time for the one year anniversary of the 2011 earthquake in Japan, a collection of essays and stories by Japanese writers on the devastating disaster, its aftermath, and the resolve of a people to rebuild.On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake occurred off the northeastern coast of Japan, triggering a 50-foot tsunami that crushed everything in its path—highways, airports, villages, trains, and buses—leaving death and destruction behind, and causing a major radiation leak from five nuclear plants. Here eighteen writers give us their trenchant observations and emotional responses to such a tragedy, in what is a fascinating, enigmatic and poignant collection.

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Book SynopsisEntries clearly describe each disaster by defining the cause, the consequences, and the clean-up efforts.Readers will learn who the responsible parties were, the effect on the environment and people living in the immediate area, and the economic impact of each disaster.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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