Climate disasters leave major human + financial toll behind in 2024

The world’s 10 most costly climate disasters caused USD 229 bn in damages in 2024 and resulted in at least 2k deaths, The Guardian reports, citing a new report (pdf) by Christian Aid. The US experienced the highest financial losses accounting for about three-quarters of the total damage, with hurricanes like Helene and Milton alone causing USD 55 and USD 60 bn in losses. Other major disasters included Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia caused USD 12.6 bn in damage.

The EU nabbed top spots: Europe had three of the top costliest disasters, with Storm Boris in Central Europe and floods in Spain and Germany totaling USD 13.9 bn in damages.

Africa struck by floods and drought: Africa also faced some of the most severe climate-related disasters, with mns of people affected by extreme weather events. In West Africa, catastrophic floods impacted over 6.6 mn people across Nigeria, Chad, and Niger. Meanwhile, Southern Africa experienced a drought that affected over 14 mn people in the area, causing a 50% drop in cereal production in places like Zambia, according to a press release.