The WMO has issued the new findings amid efforts to scale up action to ensure that early warning services reach everyone on Earth by the end of 2027.
While economic losses have soared, the WMO said that improved early warnings and coordinated disaster management has slashed the human casualty toll over the past half a century. Over 90 per cent of reported deaths worldwide occurred in developing countries.
The USA alone incurred $1.7tn, accounting for 39 per cent of economic losses worldwide in the 51 years. Poorer countries suffered a disproportionately high cost in relation to the size of their economies.
“The most vulnerable communities unfortunately bear the brunt of weather, climate and water-related hazards,” said WMO secretary-general professor Petteri Taalas.
“Extremely severe cyclonic storm Mocha exemplifies this. It caused widespread devastation in Myanmar and Bangladesh, impacting the poorest of the poor. In the past, both Myanmar and Bangladesh...