Homes bear the disaster burden: UN estimates $228bn in expected annual losses
UNDRR says modelled average annual residential-building losses from four hazards are about $228 billion. Housing also accounts for 43% of direct losses reported by countries. These figures measure different things; we explain the distinction and the practical steps that make a home safer.
On October 13, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction drew attention to housing vulnerability. Countries attributed 43% of the direct economic disaster losses they reported through the Sendai Framework Monitor to housing. That is a share of reported losses, not an annual forecast.
A separate global model estimates average annual residential-building losses of about $228 billion from cyclones, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes. This represents 53% of modelled losses across all building types from those four hazards. The model and national reporting cover different measures; 43% and 53% should not be added together.
UNDRR says around half the people reported as affected by disasters experienced damage to or destruction of their homes. Safer siting, enforced building standards, retrofits and a household plan can reduce harm.
For Kazakhstan, the message is to assess seismic safety, construction in flood-prone areas and the reach of early warnings. A global estimate cannot replace a local hazard map; risk depends on the place and the building.
If you have found a mistake or a typo in this article, tell us about it
Comments (0)
Log in to leave a comment →
No comments yet. Be the first.