2006 statistics
In 2006, 427 natural disasters were reported worldwide – around the same level as in 2005.
The number of people reported to be affected by these disasters (142 million) dropped 10 per cent, while the number of people reported killed (23,833) fell by nearly 75 per cent, compared with 2005. It should be noted that the majority of the Asia tsunami deaths were reported in 2005.
(Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters)
The combined death toll from natural and technological disasters (33,733) during 2006 was the lowest of the decade (1997–2006), well below the 120,000 decade average. The earthquake in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on 27 May 2006 represents the deadliest disaster last year, resulting in the death of 5,778 people. (Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters)
Natural disasters were responsible for the overwhelming majority of people reported affected by all disasters in 2006. However, the total number was almost 50 per cent lower than the decade average of 268 million per year.
(Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters)
The cost of damage inflicted by natural disasters in 2006 was estimated at nearly US$ 34.5 billion – the second lowest figure of the decade and less than half the decade average of US$ 78.7 billion per year.
(Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters)
Official Development Assistance (ODA) from members of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to developing countries totalled US$ 106.8 billion in 2005, the latest year for which complete data are available. This is a rise of US$ 25.6 billion, or 32 per cent in real terms, compared with 2004.
(Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
General disaster statistics in the Report provided by CRED
Comparing data for the past decade (1997-2006) with data for the previous decade (1987-1996), the number of reported disasters grew from 4,241 to 6,806 – an increase of 60 per cent.
Over the same period, the number of reported deaths doubled, from more than 600,000 to more than 1.2 million
The average number of people reported affected per year rose by 17 per cent, from approximately 230 million to 270 million.
Meanwhile, the total cost of reported damage increased by 12 per cent, from US$ 717 billion to US$ 802 billion (2006 prices).
Better reporting of smaller disasters partially explains these increases. However, more severe disasters are also on the increase.
Federation emergency response statistics
Between 2004 and 2006, the number of disasters the Red Cross and Red Crescent responded to each year increased from 254 to 445. Significantly, floods and other meteorological events influenced by climate change drove this rise.
In 2004, the Red Cross and Red Crescent responded to 64 floods (including flash floods). By 2006 this figure had jumped to 140.
In 2006, National Societies responded to 481 disasters or crises in their countries. An increase of 22% on 2005, and 41% on 2003.
