As a result, the perception of these areas as hazardous lessened, and coastal development proceeded at an increased pace, putting more lives and property at risk. In these conditions, wildfires do not have to be large to generate catastrophic losses. Population growth continues to increase development pressures that in turn lead to more residential, commercial, and industrial construction in floodplains. Find out by connecting to Global Disaster Watch . Once you're there, choose a current event to explore further.
Businesses fail and communities are in chaos for weeks.
But society is far from helpless in the face of these prospects. When individuals and organizations accept the responsibility, cost-effective actions can be taken to reduce the loss of lives and property, damage to the environment, and economic and social disruption caused by natural disasters.