UN Report: Half the world unprepared for disasters

Even as extreme weather and climate disasters are multiplying, half of countries lack the advanced early warning systems needed to save lives, the United Nations warned yesterday.

In a fresh report, the UN agencies for weather and for disaster risk reduction found countries with poor early warning systems on average see eight times greater mortality from disasters than countries with strong measures.

Proper early warning systems for floods, droughts, heatwaves, storms or other disasters allow for planning to minimise adverse impacts.

"Extreme weather events will happen. But they do not need to become deadly disasters," UN chief Antonio Guterres said.

As the threats rise, early warning systems have meanwhile contributed towards significantly reducing disaster-related mortality.

The UN wants all countries to put in place early warning systems within five years, and is due to present an action plan during November's COP27 climate summit in Egypt.

"Those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis are paying the highest price," Guterres said.