The Vulnerability of Cities

* What makes some cities less vulnerable and more resilient in the face of natural disasters? * Examines the factors involved and draws invaluable lessons from case studies and analysis * Major contribution to urban studies, social development and disaster management When disaster strikes in cities the effects can be far worse than in other human environments. But which factors determine how vulnerable a city is to such events, and how resilient it will be in recovering from them? Focusing on cities in the global South, this book examines the conditions that lead to high losses from urban disasters and the factors that enable some households and communities to withstand disaster more effectively. Through a range of detailed studies, it shows that strengthening local capacity'through appropriate housing, infrastructure and livelihoods'is crucial to improving resilience, and that effective community or municipal government is essential if cities are to cope with disasters successfully. This book marks a significant advance in our understanding of what works and what doesn't when cities are faced with extreme conditions, and how this can be applied when dealing with other events and stresses.

Mark Pelling is a Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool where he is a Lecturer in human geography.