What can be done to prevent disasters?

[AB Asks]

The UN's 'disaster chief' has outlined a 10-year plan looking to avert a disaster 100 times worse than the Asian tsunami. He pointed out that even cities like Tokyo are in danger of flooding if something like that happened. Is this enough? Or should all countries be doing more to help prevent future disasters?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/ 4184707.stm

[MrBen5]

Hmmm, i think every country has to play a part in preventing disasters.
In fact i think they should be forced to do more, regardless of religion, beliefs.
Too many innocent people die because of ignorance.
I dont think its enough, but its a start...

[Gromit]

Natural disasters are not preventable. It makes good sense to have plans to cope with any aftermath. Mega disasters are very rare, but that doesn't mean we should ignore their possible.

I have just suffered a small disaster myself. I fell off my chair with the shock of seeing a link in a AB Asks question.

[Reverandfunk]

Dont build houses out of balsa wood and old pop bottles in a hurricane/flood etc zone.

[chompu]

Bang up to date AB. This story is two years old. Perhaps you could re-submit in history.

[China Doll]

So you weren't shocked that said link wasn't to the Daily Mail either Gromit... You're slipping love ;0P

[kwicky]

As a species we seem unable to plan for disasters ahead. Politicians get in the habit of solving ptoblems after the event where they can reap maximum praise and publicity. To predict an event and make the necessary arrangements gain no plaudits as there's no proof it would ever have taken place. There are a few exceptions but usually cannot get the money released for it.
Take flooding due to global warming. Why are not proportunate amounts given to flood defences (not the paltry amount now given) to prepare for this almost certain calamity?