Thanks to better preparedness, the number of deaths from natural disasters fell from 1.77 per 100,000 inhabitants to 0.84 in the same period. Nevertheless, too many countries lacked early warning systems that could protect more people, the United Nations reported Thursday on the “International Day for Disaster Prevention” (October 13) in Geneva.
Comprehensive early warning systems must, among other things, warn people in a timely manner of various imminent dangers, describe the possible consequences and show protection options and tips for self-help after the event. They must be developed with the involvement of the population, who can then prepare better.
According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and World Weather Organization (WMO) report, disasters kill 4.62 people per 100,000 in countries with limited early warning systems, compared to 0.6 in countries with good resources. However, only half of the world’s countries have comprehensive early warning systems in place. Of the poorer countries most affected by climate change, this is less than half and of the small island states only a third.
The UN is demanding more investment in early warning systems and financial support for poorer countries. “There will be extreme weather events,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. “But it doesn’t have to be a deadly disaster.”
(SDA)