What 100 Studies Say About Natural Disasters
There are various studies that talk about natural disasters. Here are the results of what 100 studies say about natural disasters.
Statistics
● In 2019, over 17.5 million people were displaced from their homes due to natural disasters.
● The US Geological Surveys (USGS) Earthquake Hazard Program reported that in general, there are an estimated 50-80 earthquakes per day. In a year, that can reach 20,000. However, the magnitude is often between 4.0-4.9.
The prevalence of 4.0-4.9 earthquake is 1 per day or 352 on average. The second most prevalent magnitude is between 5.0-5.9 which happens 27.26 times a year, or twice per month.
● The USGS states that there are 1500 potentially active volcanoes all over the world. There are 169 potentially active volcanoes in the United States alone.
● Between 1998-2017, 4.8 million people all over the globe suffered from landslides. Landslides caused more than 18,000 deaths. The most common causes of death in landslides is due to entrapment and suffocation.
● The Insurance Information Institute reported that 2020 was a record-breaking hurricane season as it produced 30 named hurricanes.
● Our World In Data reported that in 2017, over 71,499 wildfires took place in the US.
● In 2017, 10.03 million acres of land were damaged due to wildfire.
#1 Climate Change Exacerbates Natural Disasters
The link between global warming exacerbating natural disasters is not new. As air and water temperature rises, it leads to rising sea levels. It also tends to charge storms and empower wind speeds, intensifying droughts and wildfires and even prolonging them. There is also heavier precipitation that can lead to flooding.
● In the last thirty years, the number of climate-related disasters tripled.
● The rate of the global sea-level rose 2.5 times faster between 2006 and 2016, compared to its average rate in the last century.
● The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) projects that developing countries will spend $140-$300 billion to adapt to climate change and cope with its damages per year until 2030.
#2 Vulnerable Populations and Regions are often on the Poorer Side
The economic background of the area makes them more susceptible to the effects of natural disasters. Developed and developing countries have access to property damage insurance and emergency rescues.
Developed countries also have better infrastructures, and may have taken precautionary measures in case of natural disasters. However, that is not the case with countries suffering from poverty.
Studies show that poverty-stricken countries have poor infrastructures, as well as less access to water, food, and other necessities. If natural disasters take place, their supplies are limited and they are stranded.
#3 Digitizing Contingency Plans
Natural disasters happen at any given time. That is why studies are now forcing the government not only to update contingency plans but to also digitize them.
Contingency plans are a holistic approach, as it deals with hypotheticals. However, instead of the usual contingency plans, the distribution should be digital. That is because everything is via the web and can be accessed with all devices.
With digitized contingency plans, updates are faster, and everyone can receive the plans making it accessible for all.
#4 Natural Disasters Affected the Global Economy
Our World in Data reported that since the 1970s, the Global Gross Domestic Product has increased four times its value. Natural disasters caused massive losses. With drought and other natural disasters affecting production, inflation took place and prices rose.
#5 Natural Disasters are Becoming more Frequent and Severe
Natural disasters are becoming more prevalent and stronger. The sharp increase in frequency and intensity is exacerbated by climate change and pollution.
The most frequent disaster that takes place is flooding. It accounts for about 43% of recorded natural disasters.
In 2019, Reinsurer MunichRe reported 820 natural disasters that caused insured losses. Natural disasters have doubled since 1980. 70% of the damages are caused by weather-related natural disasters.
Hundreds of studies show that natural disasters are becoming more prevalent and ferocious. Its effects cannot always be predicted. Contingency plans and emergency preparedness kits are important to ensure safety and survival.
It is also important to insure homes and businesses with property damage insurance for added financial security.
.
National Damage Appraisers
1 Stowell Ave.
Worcester, MA 01606
877-290-2929
774-239-0652
Info@NDA911.com
