Originally published in 1982 and based on empirical research into the aftermath of the Friuli earthquake in Italy, the book reflects the perspective gained over a period of four years on the event itself and the subsequent response of the local population and national government. Unique insights were gained through one of the largest questionnaire surveys ever undertaken in a disaster situation and important questions are posed concerning the policies of reconstruction. Is a disaster ‘the great equalizer’ and does regional society emerge from it with redistributed power relationships, or are established structures reinforced? Who gets hurt and who benefits? What effects do poverty, regional remoteness from central government and the ethnic and cultural dimensions have on the situation? As a substantial treatment of a major catastrophe in all its aspects, this book will be of interest to students and researchers concerned with the impact of and response to natural hazards. It is based on a unique event, but the findings it reveals are relevant to all major catastrophes.