Issue Brief Disaster Preparedness

Over the last two decades, more than 1.3 million people and nearly two trillion dollars have been lost to disasters caused by natural hazards.

Disasters compound the effects of poverty and inequity while eroding costly development gains. While disasters can happen anywhere, 85 percent of those exposed to disasters reside in
developing countries.

However, investing in disaster preparedness can help mitigate impact, save resources and protect development progress. It is estimated that for every dollar spent reducing disaster risk, seven dollars will be saved from economic losses associated with cleanup and recovery