emi

Data from the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) shows that 373 natural disasters took place in 2010, killing nearly 300,000 people and affecting over 200 million others, at a cost of nearly US$ 110 billion.

The Americas headed the list of the most affected continents, with 75% of total deaths as a result of the Haiti earthquake on January 12. Europe accounted for almost 20% of fatalities, due to the thousands killed in the Russian heat wave over the summer. Asia experienced fewer deaths, but remained the continent most affected by disasters, accounting for 89% of the total number of people affected worldwide.

The costliest event in 2010 was the Chile earthquake, which resulted in US$ 30 billion worth of damages. Flooding and landslides in China and Pakistan cost an additional US$ 28 billion, with the Haiti earthquake exacting a toll of US$ 8 billion.

Margareta Wahlström, UN Special Representative for Disaster Reduction, commented that although the figures were worrying, they may be regarded as benign in years to come.  She cautioned, ““Unless we act now, we will see more and more disasters due to unplanned urbanization and environmental degradation. And weather-related disasters are sure to rise in the future, due to factors that include climate change.” Ms. Wahlström stressed that it is critical for local governments, city leaders and their partners to incorporate climate change adaptation in urban planning. She added that disaster risk reduction is “no longer optional” and should be regarded as a strategic technical tool by national and local governments that will assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities to their citizens.

Click here to view the figures. 

Source: UNISDR