Part 1: Water-related disasters

Water is essential for life. But when it arrives in excess, the consequences can be devastating. Tropical cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons – powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters – bring with them a deadly combination of strong winds, torrential rain and storm surges. Climate change is exacerbating these events. Warmer oceans and a warmer more moisture-saturated atmosphere are triggering stronger and slower-moving storms that linger over land for longer, causing greater damage, and often leading to more catastrophic flooding.

The growing threat of water-related disasters can be particularly devastating in vulnerable regions where infrastructure and early warning systems may be inadequate. Yet, also in wealthier nations, the increasing frequency and intensity of storms is straining infrastructure and stretching emergency services.

Coastal erosion and landslides are additional critical consequences of extreme weather events. As storm surges and intense rainfall erode coastlines and destabilize slopes, they threaten infrastructure, ecosystems and communities. This not only exacerbates flood risks, but also creates long-term environmental challenges demanding urgent attention and innovative solutions.