UK-based developer Playerthree, in collaboration with The United Nations, have just announced Stop Disaster Game, a free web-playable game which aims to educate children and gamers on how to "respond to and mitigate disasters." The game is part of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction which stands by the credo that "disaster risk reduction starts at school, teaches youngsters how to build safer villages and cities against disasters."

The game will require users to take on various missions to take the necessary precautions in case of a specific disaster. You'll be given a specific budget and time limit to test your ability to live out your "savior complex" by saving the most lives and livelihoods in the occurrence of simulated earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, etc.

The game is currently available only in English and on the internet but the organization plans to have a multi-lingual DVD version of the game for the benefit of those in more remote areas in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Pacific, etc. International Strategy for Disaster Reduction director Salvano Briceño says,

Education is essential for reducing children risks to disasters. If we teach them about disaster risk reduction from an early age, they will understand why it is vital to build houses, schools and hospitals in safe locations, to have early warning systems in place and reduce disasters.

A strategy/simulation game that'll teach gamers about surviving natural disasters without the preachy vibe and the classroom setting? Can't say no to that. Click on the Read link to save the world (as much as you can).