Natural disasters have long been among the most persistent challenges faced by human societies. Earthquakes, floods, droughts, storms, and fires not only cause loss of life but also disrupt production, trade, settlement patterns, public services, and social stability. This article examines the place and role of the economy in combating disasters, with particular emphasis on the financial sector. It argues that disaster management should be analyzed in three stages: pre-disaster, during disaster, and post-disaster. In all three stages, the state has important and unavoidable responsibilities; yet neither a state-free model nor a state-centered total model offers a realistic solution. Effective disaster management requires cooperation between the state, civil society, markets, and local communities. Within this framework, the insurance sector plays a crucial role by spreading risk across society and mitigating losses, while the banking sector contributes by financing resilient housing, infrastructure, and post-disaster recovery. Ultimately, the study argues that economic development and wealth significantly strengthen disaster resilience.