Bangladesh faces $3 billion annual disaster loss, 6.3m affected
Bangladesh experiences severe economic and human losses due to natural disasters, with floods, droughts, storms, and heatwaves causing an estimated 3 billion US dollar in damages each year. These extreme weather events impact approximately 6.3 million people annually.
The 'Climate Risk Index 2025' report, published by environmental organization Germanwatch on February 13, sheds light on these challenges. The report underscores the disproportionate impact of climate change on Global South countries over the past three decades.
Between 1993 and 2022, the world witnessed over 9,400 extreme weather events, leading to nearly 800,000 fatalities and financial losses amounting to $4.2 trillion. Among the worst-affected nations during this period were Dominica, China, and Honduras, with Bangladesh ranking 31st in vulnerability to such disasters.
One of the most alarming climate events highlighted in the report was the intense heatwave that gripped the region from March to May 2022. Nawabshah, Pakistan, recorded a staggering 49.5°C, followed by devastating floods. The heatwave extended to India and Bangladesh, contributing to over 90 deaths across the three countries.
A study by the World Weather Attribution project concluded that climate change made this extreme heatwave 30 times more likely, emphasizing the increasing frequency of compounding climate disasters.
Despite its high vulnerability, Bangladesh has made significant progress in disaster risk management. The country's effective adaptation strategies have drastically reduced cyclone-related fatalities. Compared to the 1970 cyclone, which claimed around 500,000 lives, the 2007 cyclone saw a much lower death toll of 4,234—an improvement of over 100 times.
While countries like China, India, and the Philippines frequently experience extreme weather, nations such as Dominica, Honduras, Myanmar, and Vanuatu suffer from particularly severe climate-related disasters. Additionally, European nations like Italy, Spain, and Greece have emerged among the most affected countries in the last three decades.
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