Thailand ranks among the top 4 countries most at risk of flooding

reader · November 4

From The Nation

While much of Asia and Southeast Asia are prone to seasonal flooding, statistics show that inundations have been particularly high in 2024

Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters around the world as evidenced by the severe flooding that has impacted several countries this year alone.

According to World Bank data from 2020, around 1.47 billion people or about 19% of the global population. face significant risks of severe flooding from rivers, heavy rainfall, or coastal erosion, with 89% of those at risk residing in low- to middle-income countries.

The majority of those vulnerable to flooding—about 1.36 billion people—live in South and East Asia, with 329 million in China and 225 million in India, making up more than one-third of the world’s flood-prone population.

In 2024, nine out of the top 10 countries most at risk of river flooding are in Asia, particularly in the southern and eastern regions of the continent. Southeast Asia, with its low-lying terrain, frequent tropical storms, heavy rains, long monsoon seasons, and underdeveloped flood protection infrastructure, is especially prone to frequent and severe flooding.

Climate change is also impacting the frequency and intensity of these events, with an estimated 30% increase in flood-affected populations if global temperatures rise by 2°C.

According to Statista’s March 2024 survey on flood risk, based on the approximate number of people affected by annual floods, the risk index ranges from 0 to 10 (higher scores indicate higher risk). The countries with the highest flood risk are Vietnam, Egypt and Bangladesh (risk index 9.9); Thailand (9.8); Iraq (9.6); Pakistan (9.5); China (9.3); India (9.2); Myanmar (8.8); and Cambodia (8.7).

Continues at

https://www.nationthailand.com/sustaination/40042951