In this post, we will see a concise overview of extreme weather events over the past decade (2014-2024), including their impact on lives lost and economies:
2014:
- Event: Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)
- Impact: Over 6,000 lives lost in the Philippines.
- Economic Loss: Approximately $12 billion.
2015:
- Event: Heatwave in India
- Impact: Over 2,500 deaths due to extreme heat.
- Economic Loss: Significant impact on agriculture and productivity.
2016:
- Event: Hurricane Matthew
- Impact: Over 1,600 fatalities across the Caribbean and the United States.
- Economic Loss: Estimated at $10 billion.
2017:
- Event: Hurricane Maria
- Impact: Devastation in Puerto Rico with 2,975 fatalities and infrastructure damage.
- Economic Loss: Substantial impact on the island’s economy.
2018:
- Event: Kerala Floods (India)
- Impact: Over 400 lives lost, massive displacement, and infrastructure damage.
- Economic Loss: Approximately $2.8 billion.
2019:
- Event: Cyclone Idai
- Impact: Over 1,300 fatalities in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
- Economic Loss: Extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
2020:
- Event: Australian Bushfires
- Impact: Over 30 human lives lost, millions of animals perished, and widespread destruction.
- Economic Loss: Billions of dollars in damages.
2021:
- Event: Texas Winter Storm
- Impact: Power outages, water shortages, and loss of life.
- Economic Loss: Billions of dollars in damages and economic disruption.
2022:
- Event: European Floods
- Impact: Over 200 fatalities in Germany and Belgium.
- Economic Loss: Significant damage to infrastructure and property.
2023:
- Event: Heatwaves in India
- Impact: High mortality rates due to extreme temperatures.
- Economic Loss: Impact on agriculture and public health.
2024 (Projected):
- Event: El Nino-Related Extreme Weather
- Impact: Anticipated heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and flooding.
- Economic Loss: Ongoing assessment.
These events underscore the urgency of climate resilience and preparedness. As we move forward, let us prioritize adaptive measures and global cooperation.
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