Table 1.

Hazards in the Western Pacific Region

Type of hazard	Hazards
Natural hazards	Sudden impact or acute onset: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tsunami, tornadoes, tropical storms, hurricanes, cyclones, typhoons, floods, avalanches, wildfires, cold weather, large-scale outbreaks (e.g., SARS)
	Slow or chronic onset: drought, famine, environmental degradation, chronic exposure to toxic substances, desertification, pest infestation
Hazards inducing human-generated disasters	Industrial/technological: explosions, fires, system failures/accidents, chemical/radiation, spillages, pollution, terrorism
	Transportation: vehicular crash, plane crash, ship collision
	Deforestation
	Material shortage
Hazards inducing complex emergencies	Wars and civil strife, armed aggression, insurgency, and other actions resulting in displaced persons and refugees