Annual disaster statistical review 2010: the numbers and trends
The 2010 annual review of disaster figures based on the EM-DAT database outlines information about the EM-DAT International Disaster Database, its definitions, criteria and content; asks: What did 2010 bring? How different was 2010?; presents 'disaster losses in a changing climate'; provides regional analysis on Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
It reports that 385 natural hazard related disasters killed more than 297,000 people worldwide, affected over 217.0 million others and caused US$ 123.9 billion of damages. A total of 131 countries were hit by these disasters, though only 10 countries accounted for 120 of the 385 disasters (31.2%). Economic damages from natural hazard related disasters in 2010 (US$ 123.9 billion) increased by 160.4% compared to 2009, and were above the annual average damages for the period 2000-2009 (US$98.9 billion).
The CRED EM-DAT database aims to provide an evidence base to the international community to: (i) assist humanitarian action at both national and international levels; (ii) rationalize decision-making for disaster preparedness; and (iii) provide an objective basis for vulnerability assessment and priority setting.