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6. Natural Catastrophes

All necessary precautions should be taken to minimize the effects of catastrophes which befall man and the environment, such as floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, storms, natural conflagrations, desertification, infestations, and epidemics. It must be recognized that natural disasters are often caused in part by acts ofman, and that their, consequences by way of loss of life and property are in many cases aggravated by inappropriate settlement, building, and land use practices. Accordingly, their impacts can be largely mitigated by planning with foresight, based on understanding of natural processes. Unsuitable land use practices and activities should not be permitted in areas inherently or potentially hazardous to human life and health or areas vulnerable to disruption of natural processes.

Protection of man and man's properties and interests is essential and necessary and "Whatever is indispensable to fulfill an imperative obligation is itself obligatory."

Islamic law maintains that "Damage shall be eliminated," and "Damage shall be removed to the extent that is possible." However, the protective measures that are taken  should not lead to other adverse impacts in accordance with the principle that "Damage shall not be eliminated by means of similar damage."