In the hours after sudden disaster strikes, most lives are saved by the courage and resourcefulness of friends and neighbours. During slow-onset crises such as drought, some rural societies have developed extraordinary capacities to cope and bounce back. How can aid organisations strengthen rather than undermine this local resilience? Perceptions of disaster differ between those at risk and those trying to help. Evidence suggests that everyday threats to livelihoods are a greater concern to most poor communities than 'one-off' disasters. Meanwhile, local consensus and cooperation are as important in protecting communities as concrete walls. The report argues that a more developmental approach to creating disaster resilience is needed, which puts communities in charge of defining their needs and crafting the right solutions. The World Disasters Report 2004 features: From risk to resilience - helping communities cope with crisis Heatwaves: the developed world's hidden disaster Harnessing local capacities in rural India Bam sends warning to reduce future earthquake risks Building community resilience to disaster in the Philippines AIDS: Communities pulling out of a downward spiral Surviving in the slums Disaster data: key trends and statistics