India stands as the most flood-prone nation in Asia, with a staggering 622.1 million people – a whopping 44% of its population – exposed to the threat of floods, according to a recent report by rating agency Moody’s. This alarming statistic puts India at the top of the list of vulnerable countries, followed by China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
The global picture is equally concerning: over 2.7 billion people, representing more than one-third of the world’s population, reside in areas susceptible to inland or coastal flooding. This growing frequency of floods worldwide underscores the urgent need to understand and address the complex interplay of factors contributing to flood risks, including geographical location, infrastructure resilience, socioeconomic disparities, and climate variability.
The report reveals that since 1975, the proportion of people exposed to flood risks has steadily increased due to a confluence of factors, including climate change, rapid urbanization, and unsustainable land-use practices. These factors have led to more frequent and severe flooding events, posing a significant threat to human lives, infrastructure, and economies.
South Asia emerges as the region most vulnerable to floods, with nearly 40% of its population at risk of inland flooding and over 5% exposed to coastal flooding. China faces the highest risk of inland flooding in the region, with 32% of its population (453.2 million people) vulnerable. Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia follow closely with 61%, 73%, and 38% of their populations at risk, respectively. In contrast, Oceania stands out as the least exposed region to inland flooding, with less than 17% of its population facing such risks.
When it comes to coastal flooding, Europe and North Asia exhibit the lowest risk, with only 0.27% of their populations facing potential threats. South Asia, however, starkly contrasts with other regions, with a much larger population exposed to both inland and coastal flooding risks.
Moody’s emphasizes the pervasiveness and recurring nature of flooding, highlighting its far-reaching consequences for both human communities and the environment. The report underscores the crucial importance of understanding the populations most vulnerable to flooding’s impact for effective disaster management and mitigation efforts.
According to Moody’s estimates, approximately 2.4 billion people – over 31% of the global population – live in areas exposed to inland flooding at a 100-year defended return period. Of this number, around 2.3 billion people face a flood depth exceeding 10 cm, representing 29% of the global population.
For coastal flooding, the report estimates that around 260 million people are exposed to some level of risk, with over 70% of them concentrated in just five countries. Of these, approximately 240 million individuals face a flood depth exceeding 10 cm, affecting just over 3% of the global population. At an increased flood depth of over 50 cm, the number of people at risk escalates to 655 million for inland flooding and 200 million for coastal flooding.
This sobering data emphasizes the urgent need for proactive measures to address the increasing vulnerability to flooding worldwide. Implementing comprehensive disaster management strategies, investing in resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable land-use practices are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of floods and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of millions of people.
