Credit Munich Reinsurance Company (Munich Re) via Reliefweb
# 6059
If it seemed to you as if we talked about an inordinate number of large, deadly, and expensive natural disasters during 2011, you’re right.
According to Munich Re, NatCatSERVICE, while 2010 saw more loss of life (primarily due to the Haitian earthquake), 2011 was the costliest year ever in terms of natural disasters, with about US$ 380 billion in economic losses.
You can find detailed analysis, including maps, charts, and graphs at the following PreventionWeb links:
Munich Re: Worldwide distribution of natural catastrophes in 2011
Munich Re: Review of natural catastrophes 2011 - Earthquakes result in record loss year
2011 Largest natural catastrophes [PDF 222.43 KB]
The map of 2011 disasters at the top of this blog depicts 820 events, and shows that no area of the globe is immune to natural catastrophes.
Last month in Weathering Heights: A Year For The Record Books, we looked at the record number of billion-dollar-plus weather disasters in the United States during the last year.
Each year September is designated National Preparedness Month, and agencies like NOAA, FEMA, and READY.GOV work year round to promote awareness and action.
Truly, the time to prepare for a disaster – weather related or otherwise – is now.
Everyone needs an appropriate disaster plan, just as everyone should have a good first aid kit, a `bug-out bag’, and sufficient emergency supplies to last a bare minimum of 72 hours.
Like death and taxes, disasters are inevitable. A few of my general preparedness blogs help you along include:
In An Emergency, Who Has Your Back?
