Management of natural disasters is necessary not only when disasters occur or in their aftermath; but also for adequate preparedness, mitigation, risk reduction and risk management with proper planning taking place well before and after the disaster. The authors describe the lessons learned from disaster response in India and at the global level in a format that can be understood well. The authors analyze the role of local administration and the crucial role of the local community and various other stakeholders in areas of disaster response, recovery and reconstruction. The authors suggested that the participation of the civil society and governmental and semi-governmental organizations in disaster management activities are inevitable and should be incorporated in the post disaster response phase. This book infers that local self-governments have a pivotal role to play in planning and providing essential aid not only in the post disaster phase but also in the disaster preparedness and mitigation phases.