Oct 29, 2014
Natural disasters had an impact on approximately 100 million people across the world last year, with nearly 90 percent of those affected living in Asia-Pacific.
New figures from the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) claimed extreme weather conditions cost Australia and the Pacific region at least AU$3.8 billion (US$3.35 billion) over the 12-month period.
The IFRC said 529 disasters were reported worldwide in 2013, with 337 due to natural phenomenon and 192 caused by people and technology.
According to the data, Typhoon Haiyan led to AU$11.5 billion worth of damage in the Philippines, while a flood in Germany was the costliest disaster of the year, setting the country back AU$15 billion.
The Philippines is particularly prone to natural disasters, with Typhoon Haiyan affecting 16 million people.
Incidents such as this can have a devastating effect on companies, creating power outages, widespread system failures and significant financial costs.
This is why many organizations see the advantages of high-end disaster recovery software, which can help businesses maintain essential operations following unforeseen events.
Peter Walton, head of international program at the Australian Red Cross, said effective preparation is the key to protecting communities from the damage disasters cause.
"All our research and experience shows us that people respond to disasters much better, and recover more quickly afterwards, if they are well-prepared," he explained.
IFRC statistics show that every dollar spent on risk management and disaster recovery processes saves an average of AU$17.84.
However, in the 20 years leading up to 2013, only one in every AU$10 dollars was spent worldwide on preventative measures to protect property and ensure personal safety.
Despite this, the IFRC noted that natural disasters affected fewer people in 2013 than in any other year over the last decade, suggesting global improvements to preparedness.