1. This book presents a seminal study on natural disasters from managerial as well as politico-legal perspectives. The book proposes that hazards turn into disasters mainly due to governmental incapacities and inefficiencies not only to avert the disasters but also to enable the communities to cope with them without sustaining much loss to their lives and livelihood. It is a must for every environmentalist, public policy-maker, academician, NGO, and civil rights activist. 2. In recent years disaster risks have been on the rise. However, these disaster risks can be significantly reduced through strategies and actions that seek to decrease vulnerability and exposure to hazards within wider efforts to address poverty and inequality. This publication is timely and well researched endeavour. I felicitate the author for undertaking this pioneering initiative and hope that variety of stakeholders would take full benefit of this publication and contribute to improve the systems and structures dealing with disasters in Pakistan. 1. Shahab Usto, Lawyer & Academic 2. Nasir Ali Panhwar, Executive Director, Centre for Environment & Development (CEAD)