Over the last 100 years one million people have died as a direct result of earthquakes. Another million have been killed by hurricanes typhoons and tropical cyclones. Over nine million have drowned in floods. Tens of millions more have been claimed by drought and disease. Explore this phenomenal destructive power of nature in The Atlas of the World's Worst Natural Disasters an awe-inspiring investigation of why despite all our impressive scientific advances we are just as vulnerable to nature's whims as we ever were.Dramatic accounts and graphic illustrations of major disasters bring the ferocious forces of nature to life on the page from violent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes to fearsome fires and floods crop-destroying insects and blight and disease-causing viruses and bacteria. A comprehensive gazetteer catalogues the particular hazards experienced by each region of the world and gives the details of more than 500 disasters. The Atlas of the World's Worst Natural Disasters also examines the very latest scientific developments in monitoring predicting and understanding natural disasters.Lavishly illustrated and expertly researched The Atlas of the World's Worst Natural Disasters is a compelling account of the destructive forces of nature.