Natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, and preparing in advance is crucial. The impact of disasters in 2019 has reshaped how we respond, emphasizing the importance of readiness. Here are some key disaster facts to help you understand the global impact and ways to stay prepared.
Important Disaster Facts
- Economic Impact: From 2000 to 2012, natural disasters caused $1.7 trillion in damage, impacting 2.9 billion people.
- Senior Vulnerability: Over half of Hurricane Katrina and Sandy’s victims were seniors aged 65 and above. Emergency plans for seniors are essential for their safety.
- Floods: Floods are the most common natural disaster, with 90% of U.S. natural disasters involving flooding.
- Annual Fatalities: Natural disasters cause approximately 60,000 deaths yearly. Historically, droughts and floods have been the deadliest.
- Earthquake Risk: All U.S. states and territories face earthquake risks, which can also trigger tsunamis without warning.
- Global Impact in 2018: That year saw 315 disaster events, 11,804 deaths, and $131.7 billion in economic losses. Asia suffered the most with 45% of events and 80% of deaths.
Top 5 Deadliest Natural Disasters of 2019
- March: Typhoon Idai claimed over 900 lives in Africa.
- June: A heatwave in India resulted in 90 deaths.
- July: Japan faced a heatwave that killed over 160 people.
- August: Typhoon Lekima caused 172 deaths in China.
- October: Typhoon Hagibis led to at least 86 deaths in Japan.
For a detailed look at disaster-prone areas, check out this interactive map.
Why Preparedness Matters
Learning about these events may inspire you to start or improve your emergency preparedness plan. Being prepared is crucial for the safety of yourself and those around you. Our goal is to help everyone prepare for potential emergencies. Don’t wait—start today to build your readiness plan.
Sources: Ready.gov, Relief Web, Washington Post