FEMA Region X: Cross-Sector Collaboration
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Date
2012-06
Authors
Adams, Mary
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Planning, Public Policy & Management, University of Oregon
Abstract
Background
Losses from disasters can devastate communities and nations. Natural and human—caused disasters worldwide have resulted in financial losses that have risen steadily from 1980 to 2009. The decadal annual average losses from the 1980's were approximately $20 billion, increasing to $80 billion in the 1990's and $110 billion by the 2000's (Council 2011). Disaster losses in the U.S. are reflecting a similar trend and have been increasing exponentially since 1960 (Cutter and Emrich 2005).
In the decade 2000—2009, natural disasters in the United States caused over $350 billion in economic losses (Re. 2009). Some hazards, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, droughts, landslides and volcanic hazards, can affect communities well beyond those directly impacted by the event. Due to the increasingly interconnectedness of local and national communities, broader regions are vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters (Council 2011).
Description
Examining committee: Richard Margerum, chair; Josh Bruce