The nature and frequency of both natural and human-caused disasters have changed dramatically in recent decades. Nowadays disasters often comprise a toxic mix of trans-border or global phenomena which threaten the life or wellbeing of people. For example, chronic poverty, massive population movements, organized trans-border crime, environmental degradation and an increased spread of deadly infectious diseases make the impact of disasters or conflict worse and the affected population more vulnerable to new or additional threats. In addition, the irreversible trend towards urbanization puts particular emphasis on urban risk, which comprises factors such as violence, unemployment, pollution, and poor health.