Weather-related disasters - more damage but fewer deaths

Over the past 50 years, weather-related disasters have increased, causing more damage but fewer deaths, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The WMO Atlas of Mortality and Economic Losses from Weather, Climate and Water Extremes (1970 – 2019) explains that climate change is leading to more extreme weather, but early warnings are saving lives.

On average, weather-related disasters have killed 115 people and caused US$ 202 million in losses every day since 1970, according to the WMO.

The number of disasters has increased by a factor of five over the 50-year period, driven by climate change, more extreme weather and improved reporting. But, thanks to improved early warnings and disaster management, the number of deaths decreased almost three-fold.

• Explore the full report here.