Chapter 1: Introduction to Geographies of Disaster Management

This chapter introduces the geographies of disaster management and discusses the core concepts and approaches to understanding hazards and disasters, emphasising their spatial and social dimensions. It explores the nature and classifications of natural, man-made, and hybrid disasters, highlighting the complex interactions between human and environmental systems. By identifying key disaster determinants such as vulnerability, exposure, and capacity, the study underscores the importance of geographic perspectives in analysing disaster risks. Furthermore, it introduces the disaster management cycle, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, as a strategic framework for reducing impacts and building resilience across diverse geographical contexts and scales.