Humanitarian Institute
Humanitarian · ModuleRISK · HIGH
Disasters
Sudden calamitous events causing widespread human, material, economic or environmental loss exceeding local capacity.
OVERVIEW
Global picture
UNDRR: disasters affected 249M people in 2024 with USD 380B in economic losses. Climate-linked disasters up 45% since 2000.
CURRENT SITUATION
What's happening now
Compound disasters (flood + heatwave + wildfire) increasingly common. 55 major disasters logged in H1 2025. Sahel Africa faces a triple humanitarian-climate-conflict emergency.
People affected
249M
2024
Economic loss
USD 380B
2024
Displaced
26M
climate-related
Sendai target
2030
framework
MAJOR ACTORS / NETWORKS
Key organizations
OCHAIFRCWFPUN-SPIDERSphere Standards
MOST AFFECTED
Countries & regions
PhilippinesBangladeshHaitiSomaliaTürkiye/Syria
TRENDS
Evolving patterns
Compound disasters
Anticipatory action financing
Loss & damage fund operations
Community-based early warning
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
International conventions
- Sendai Framework 2015-2030
- IDRL Guidelines
- Paris Agreement Art. 8 (Loss & Damage)
PREVENTION
Response strategies
- Early Warnings for All initiative
- Risk-informed development
- Nature-based solutions
- Building code enforcement
RELATED MODULES