Since the early 1990s, total economic losses from natural catastrophes in the U.S. have averaged tens of billions of dollars per year. These disasters cause death and injury, damage property and the natural environment, interrupt business activities,and disrupt society generally. Furthermore, owing to trade and other commercial activities, the impact of these natural catastrophes often extends well beyond the immediate disaster area to other regions within the U.S. and even to other nations.
展开▼