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Disaster response needs to address misbeliefs about health hazards, respect bereaved, and allow dignified laying to rest Dead body management (pdf) is a key element of disaster response: how corpses are dealt with can have a profound impact and long-lasting effect on the mental health of survivors and communities, say experts.

World's largest insurance market says developing countries such as China, Thailand and Saudi Arabia are under-insured against natural disasters

Today, there are more people at risk from natural hazards than ever before, with those in developing countries particularly at risk. Whilst achieving the correct response to such disasters is critical, so too is forecasting events and planning to minimise their impact. The field of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plays a critical role in this process, and this report seeks to draw on the excellent work already being done on DRR around the world. The project has been guided by a group of experts from a range of disciplines, and was informed by the best current research across the physical sciences, health, social sciences and economics. Its findings will help UK and international policy-makers navigate a challenging and uncertain future. Download the report or the executive summary below.  You can find all supporting evidence and documentation here.

Ageing populations and urbanisation could leave the world's poorest countries increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters, the UK's chief scientific adviser warned on Tuesday. "Vulnerability will go soaring," said Sir John Beddington. "Extreme events will happen every five years instead of every 20. Vulnerability will come from changing climate, demography and most people living in cities."

"Work is under way to improve monitoring of Iceland's volcanoes and give earlier warning of possible eruptions."

"A powerful earthquake struck the steep hills of China's south-western Sichuan province on Saturday , leaving at least 156 people dead and more than 2,600 injured, nearly five years after a devastating quake wreaked widespread damage across the region."

"Three days after the region of Ya'an in south-west China was rocked by an earthquake, the rescue efforts and clear-up operation are ongoing"

"A powerful earthquake hit the Sichuan province of China near Ya'an city over the weekend reportedly killing some 200 people. Thousands of rescue workers have been deployed to help feed, treat, and house the displaced residents and help clear roads blocked by landslides in the remote area. The quake comes just short of five years after a massive quake in the same region killed some 70,000 people. -- Lloyd Young ( 46 photos total)"

President Otto Perez Molina told the BBC that 22 people were still missing and as many as 10,000 houses may have been rendered uninhabitable

Six Italian scientists and a government official have been found guilty in a watershed trial of multiple manslaughter for underestimating the risks of the L'Aquila 2009 earthquake.

"Two earthquakes within a month have killed thousands in Nepal but there is hope that a new digital model could minimise deaths and devastation"

"This story map tells the tale of Earth's tectonic plates, their secret conspiracies, awe-inspiring exhibitions and subtle impacts on the maps and geospatial information we so often take for granted as unambiguous. But is it? You will find yourself hovering over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, or swimming in magma deep within the Earth's core. Have fun and we hope your voyage is fruitful!"