Natural events in one place result in disaster, while the same natural event in another place doesn’t. Disasters occur swiftly, and disasters occur slowly. This book uses the disaster-prone nation of Ecuador as a lens through which we can better understand disasters – their origins, effects and variances – and how to prevent and respond to these destructive events. The book explores how we can build more resilient communities and nations, particularly in the face of the cascading effects of disasters, including not only short- and long-term disaster mitigation strategies but also the economic and health impacts.