….. In many instances we are forewarned about an impending natural disaster and can employ measures to stave off the worst effects. Advances in weather forecasting have been a particularly important development in this regard. Monitoring of earth movement and moisture content have also helped, although this information provides more of a general indication of a developing hazard rather than a precise prediction of when a problem might occur. Unfortunately, even with these improvements, the human element creeps in, with people either ignoring the warning signs or authorities underestimating the amount of planning and resources required to mitigate the wrath of the events when they do occur.