Definitions

• Adaptation


  The attempts made by people or communities to live with hazard events. By adjusting their living conditions, people are able to reduce their level of vulnerability.
• Fatalism


  A view of a hazard event that suggests that people cannot influence or shape the outcome, therefore nothing can be done to mitigate against it. Some party of the world say it is down to ‘God’s will’.
• Natural hazards


  Events which are perceived to be a threat to people and the built environment. They occur in the physical environments of the atmosphere, lithosphere and the hydrosphere.
• Perception


  The way in which an individual or group views the threat of a hazard event. This will ultimately determine the course of action taken by individuals or the response they expect from governments or other organisations.