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Environmental problems, like environmental disasters, mirror oppressive structural forces in society, as the primary victims of environmental degradation are also the main victims of other injustices. However, scholarship is lacking on the impacts of environmental disasters in these populations. Using a participatory phenomenological approach from a social work standpoint, this study uses the concept of slow violence to explore disasters in several poor communities in Kenya. Findings include the development and operationalization of a new term, micro disasters. Micro disasters are everyday problems that are linked to development and have no formal aid support for survivors, which deepens poverty.

It is important to note that while disasters are not limited by geographical boundaries, they nevertheless affect the most vulnerable members of society most deeply, almost as though through prejudice. At any level of social strata, children are the most vulnerable members, and this truth is amplified among the poor. According to UNICEF, nearly half of the world's children live in poverty, and the hardships these children endure in the wake of disaster, natural or otherwise, are augmented by the disintegration of the social fabric within which mechanisms of society function. These factors illuminate the increasing importance of the creation of child-centered disaster preparedness programs, which as far as possible should be community-based so that children need not be removed from their communities to be rehabilitated. W. A. Butler

"Recovery From Disasters" published on by Oxford University Press.

PurposeThis paper seeks to provide graduate students, researchers, and government and independent agencies with an overview of disasters.Design/methodology/approachDisasters have been the subject of research and a source of concern to academicians and government and independent agencies. In this paper disaster types are collected from several sources such as technical, general articles, internet web sites, and internal reports. Disaster types, definitions, hazards and mitigations are reviewed. Disasters are classified into natural disasters, man‐made disasters, and hybrid disasters. Man‐made disasters are classified into technological disasters, transportation accidents, public places failure, and production failure. Natural and/or man‐made disasters sometimes lead to subsequent disasters.FindingsDisasters are classified into three types: natural, man‐made, and hybrid disasters. It is believed that the three disaster types cover all disastrous events. Disasters have different characteristics and impacts; however, disasters have a common element, which is their severity. Natural disasters are those disasters that result from natural forces. Man‐made disasters are those disasters that result from human decisions. Hybrid disasters are those disasters that result from both natural and man‐made causes. Subsequent disasters are those disasters that result from natural and/or man‐made disasters. Epidemics could be a disaster or a subsequent disaster.Originality/valueThis paper presents the types, definition, hazards, and mitigation of disasters. Disasters are arranged into disaster types, sub‐disasters, and disastrous events in the form of a disaster tree. An algorithm can be written utilizing this disaster tree. The algorithm can be used for training purposes to prevent or reduce disasters.

Intro -- Preface -- Contents -- 1 Natural Disaster System in China -- Abstract -- 1 Disaster-Formative Environment -- 1.1 Lithosphere -- 1.2 Atmosphere -- 1.3 Hydrosphere -- 1.4 Biosphere -- 2 Natural Hazards -- 2.1 Diversity of Natural Hazards -- 2.2 Characteristics of Natural Hazards -- 2.3 Regional Differentiation of Natural Hazards -- 3 Exposure Units -- 3.1 Population -- 3.2 Urban Settlements -- 3.3 Transportation System -- 3.4 Economy -- 3.5 Land Use and Land Cover -- 4 Natural Disaster Losses -- 4.1 Disaster-Affected Population -- 4.2 Collapsed Buildings -- 4.3 Agricultural Losses -- 4.4 Direct Economic Losses -- 5 Natural Disaster Risks -- 5.1 Total Risk of Natural Disasters -- 5.2 Risk of Human Casualty from Natural Disasters -- 5.3 Risk of Building Collapse -- 5.4 Risk of Direct Economic Losses -- References -- 2 Earthquake Disasters in China -- Abstract -- 1 Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Earthquakes -- 1.1 Spatial Distribution of Seismic Activities -- 1.2 Temporal Distribution of Seismic Activities -- 2 Formation and Assessment of Earthquake Disasters -- 2.1 Earthquake Disasters and Their Assessment -- 2.2 Fragility of Buildings and Assessment -- 2.3 Earthquake Disaster and Post-disaster Rapid Loss Assessment -- 2.4 Earthquake Disaster Risk Assessment and Mapping -- 2.5 Earthquake Disaster Risk Mapping -- 3 Assessment Result of Earthquake Disaster Risk of China -- 4 Responses to the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake -- 4.1 Disaster Situation -- 4.2 Emergency Rescue Process -- 4.3 Disaster Response Mechanism -- 4.4 Restoration and Reconstruction -- References -- 3 Landslide and Debris Flow Disasters in China -- Abstract -- 1 Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Landslides and Debris Flows -- 1.1 Spatial Distribution of Landslide and Debris Flow Disaster -- 1.2 Temporal Distribution of Landslide and Debris Flow Disasters -- 1.2.1 Hazards.