Last year, extreme weather events reached unprecedented levels, with soaring temperatures fuelling intense heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, storms, and floods. The human cost was devastating with thousands losing their lives and millions being displaced. The financial toll of these disasters was equally staggering. According to a recent report by Christian Aid, the 10 costliest climate disasters of 2024 featured below resulted in damage that exceeded US$4 billion each.
The United States endures the costliest climate disasters
The United States experienced widespread destruction after a series of violent storms. These events, known for their intense rainfall, hail, and strong winds, wreaked havoc across the country. From January to September, 46 severe storms caused extensive damage, resulting in 88 fatalities and economic losses surpassing US$60 billion.
See also: What is behind California’s deadly wildfires? When will they be contained?
Among the most catastrophic events was Hurricane Milton which struck in October. This single storm caused US$60 billion in damage and claimed 25 lives, making it the costliest disaster of the year. Earlier in September, Hurricane Helene had brought destruction to the U.S., Cuba, and Mexico, with damages reaching US$55 billion and 232 reported deaths.
Flooding in China
China faced relentless rainfall during June and July, with floods devastating southern and central regions. In Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian, unprecedented rainstorms led to landslides and destruction. Further north, rising rivers caused flooding, with emergency evacuations affecting thousands of people. One of the worst incidents occurred in Hunan province, where a major breach in the flood protection system forced over 6,000 people to flee their homes. The combined toll of these disasters reached US$15.6 billion, with 315 lives lost.
Southeast Asia hit hard by typhoon Yagi
Typhoon Yagi hit Southeast Asia hard, causing major damage and affecting many communities. The storm, which struck in early September, caused extensive flooding and landslides across the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand. Farmland and homes were destroyed on a massive scale, with the storm taking more than 800 lives and causing damage estimated at US$12.6 billion.
Hurricane Beryl
Hurricane Beryl tore through the Caribbean before weakening as it reached the United States. Despite its reduced strength, the storm still caused flash floods and storm surges in parts of Texas. Its impact was most severe in the Caribbean islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique, where 70% of buildings were damaged or destroyed. In Jamaica, the storm seriously affected over 160,000 residents, with many forced to evacuate. By the time the hurricane had subsided, it had claimed 70 lives and caused damage totaling US$6.7 billion.
Storm Boris in Europe
In mid-September, Storm Boris swept through Central and Eastern Europe, bringing heavy rains to countries such as Austria, Germany, Poland, and Italy. In some areas, rainfall totals for just a few days exceeded the monthly average. The storm disrupted transport networks by destroying roads and railways. Italy alone recorded over 500 rescue operations. The storm claimed 26 lives and caused an estimated US$5.2 billion in damage.
Brazil faced historic flooding
In Brazil, heavy rainfall struck between April and May with three times the seasonal average that led to widespread flooding. Over 440 municipalities reported damage, with over 2 million people being impacted. The floods led to the loss of 183 lives, left over 800 people injured, and forced more than 422,000 individuals to leave their homes. Total damages were estimated at US$5 billion, making it one of the costliest disasters in South America last year.
Germany’s summer floods
Southern Germany experienced historic flooding in early June, as rainfall levels exceeded the monthly average within a single day in some areas. Bavaria declared a state of emergency in 18 districts, with water levels surpassing previous records. The floods caused extensive property damage and claimed six lives. The economic cost of this disaster was estimated at US$4.45 billion.
Valencia’s flooding
In late October, southeast Spain was hit by an unusual weather event called a “cut-off low” that brought heavy rainfall to the region. In some areas, the rainfall in just a few hours was equal to an entire year’s precipitation. The province of Valencia was hit hardest, with cities submerged and entire communities devastated. 226 people lost their lives and studies have linked the event to climate change, which likely intensified the rainfall. Damages were estimated at US$4.22 billion.
Most expensive climate disasters of 2024
Source: Counting the Cost 2024
