2021) average, 2022 was 19% more frequent floods, 7% more deaths, 37% more affected people, and 138% more direct economic losses (Figure 3). Storms are more frequent but relatively small.
In 2022, a total of 66 major storm disasters occurred globally, accounting for more than 20% of the total frequency of major disasters. The storm caused approximately 1,114 deaths, affected approximately 26.82 million people, and caused direct economic losses of approximately US$72.9 billion.
Compared with the average of the past 30 years (19922021 years), the frequency of storm disasters in 2022 is 22% higher, the number of deaths is 49% higher, the affected population is 13% less, and the direct economic loss is 88% more. The frequency of earthquake disasters is relatively low, but the impact is greater.
In 2022, a total of 30 major earthquake disasters occurred globally, accounting for more than 9% of the total frequency of major disasters. The earthquake caused about 5,339 deaths, affected about 35.65 million people, and caused direct economic losses of about $31.5 billion.
Compared with the average value of the past 30 years (19922021 years), the frequency of earthquake disasters in 2022 is 76% higher, the number of deaths is 49% less, the affected population is 26% more, and the direct economic loss is 115% more. Drought disasters are relatively low in frequency but have a significant impact on agriculture.
In 2022, a total of 20 major drought disasters occurred globally, accounting for more than 6% of the total frequency of major disasters. The drought disaster caused about 315 deaths, affected about 53.59 million people, and caused direct economic losses of about $11.6 billion.
Compared with the average value of the past 30 years (19922021 years), the frequency of drought disasters in 2022 is 18% more, the number of deaths is 78% more, the affected population is 7% more, and the direct economic loss is 121% more. To sum up, natural disasters still have a huge impact on the world in 2022.
Floods and storms are the most common types of natural disasters, with a high frequency and significant demographic and economic impacts. Although earthquakes and droughts are less frequent, their impact on population and agriculture is significant.
In the face of increasingly frequent and serious natural disasters, all countries should strengthen their capacity building in disaster prevention and mitigation and enhance their ability and level of response to disasters in order to reduce disaster losses and protect people's lives and property. In 2022, the frequency and scale of flooding disasters worldwide increased compared to last year.
According to the latest statistics, the frequency of flooding disasters increased by 14% in 2022 compared to 2021, the number of deaths caused increased by 20%, the number of people affected decreased by about 43%, and the direct economic losses increased by 25%.
When compared with the average over the past 10 years, the frequency of floods increased by 8% in 2022, the number of deaths increased by 77%, the number of affected people increased by 47%, and direct economic losses increased slightly. In 2022, we witnessed some particularly severe flood events.
Two of the floods killed more than 1,000 people, one of which was as high as 2,035. The impact of these disasters is not limited to a single region, and countries such as India in Asia have also suffered severe flooding. Thousands of people have died during flooding or torrential rains during monsoons. These data reflect the enormous damage and harm caused to human society by flood disasters.
Flood disasters not only bring casualties and property damage, but also have a significant impact on social stability and development. Therefore, we need to strengthen flood prevention and response capacities to reduce the occurrence of disasters and mitigate their impact. Governments and international organizations need to strengthen cooperation and exchanges in response to flood disasters.
Only through joint efforts can the loss and injury caused by flooding disasters be effectively reduced. In addition, advances in science and technology have also provided more means and tools for predicting and warning flood disasters. By enhancing meteorological observations and data analysis, we can more accurately predict the occurrence of floods and take timely measures to protect people's lives and property.
However, relying solely on government and technology is not enough. As individuals, we should also strengthen our awareness and response capacity for disaster preparedness. It is important to understand the flood risk in your area and take preventive measures accordingly. At the same time, we can also participate in volunteer activities and community-organized flood prevention efforts, contributing to disaster reduction and mitigation of disaster impact.
In short, flood disasters have caused great damage and harm to human society. In the face of frequent floods, we need to strengthen prevention and response capabilities, strengthen international cooperation, and use scientific and technological means to improve prediction and early warning capabilities, as well as individual awareness and action. Only by working together can we reduce flooding and protect people's lives and property.