Researchers have found that approximately 1.81 billion people live in areas at risk of flooding. According to the journal Nature Communications, most of these areas are located in South and East Asia. The researchers utilized hydrological, climatic, and economic models in their study of land areas, which included 188 member countries of the United Nations that may be exposed to significant and severe flooding. They also aimed to assess the economic consequences on the Earth's population and its economy.
The results of the researchers' calculations showed that 23 percent (1.81 billion) of the world's population reside in areas at risk of severe flooding, among whom 1.61 billion live in countries with middle or low income. The researchers note that these areas are unequally distributed across the world map, with most of these countries located in South and East Asia, including China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. Small areas in North America and Australia are also at risk of large floods.
The researchers added that flooding poses a significant threat to China, where 395 million citizens live in flood-prone areas. This risk also encompasses about 390 million Indian citizens living along rivers and seas. According to economic experts' assessments, disasters in these regions bring economic losses estimated at 9.8 trillion dollars, equivalent to the global gross output. The researchers hope that these findings will spur interest from authorities in these countries to take measures aimed at reducing these losses.
