logo
Disasters Displaced a Record 46 Million People Last Year

Disasters Displaced a Record 46 Million People Last Year

CLIMATEWIRE | Natural disasters and human conflict forced about 66 million people to flee within their own countries last year, and the United States led all nations with 11 million of these internal displacements, new research finds.
That's a record for the United States. And last year broke a global record, too, as 2024 saw the largest number of disaster-related internal displacements since experts began tracking the issue in 2008. About 46 million people worldwide had to relocate domestically last year because of natural disasters; another 20 million had to flee because of conflict or violence.
Those are the latest statistics from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, an international nongovernmental organization that keeps tabs on the number of people forced to flee within their countries each year because of natural disasters, extreme weather, conflict and violence.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
IMDC publishes the previous year's findings in an annual report each spring; its latest analysis was released Tuesday.
The 46 million people forced to relocate domestically because of natural disasters last year represents a big jump from 2023, which saw 26 million people internally displaced because of events such as storms, floods, wildfires and droughts. In the United States, natural disasters were the sole reason 11 million residents had to relocate domestically.
Cyclones triggered more than half of disaster-related movements worldwide last year. That includes Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which both caused tens of billions of dollars of damage in the United States. Floods accounted for another 42 percent of the disaster displacements, with events occurring on every continent last year.
At least 8.3 million disaster-related movements occurred in the form of preemptive evacuations, the report found. Evacuations were reported in 53 of the 163 countries and territories reporting weather and disaster displacements in 2024. Many of these occurred in the United States; Hurricane Milton alone triggered around 6 million evacuations in Florida.
Climate change is causing extreme weather events to intensify globally. At the same time, the report notes, other human factors are worsening the impact of these disasters, including inadequate infrastructure and urban expansion in disaster-prone areas.
Low- and middle-income countries, on the whole, continue to be disproportionately affected by disaster displacements. And vulnerable communities within these countries tend to experience the worst outcomes.
For instance, catastrophic flooding in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul last spring killed more than 180 people and triggered at least 775,000 displacements. Most occurred in the state capital of Porto Alegre, according to the IDMC report, and disproportionately affected Black and Indigenous communities.
At the same time, conflict zones are increasingly overlapping with areas hit hard by natural disasters, many made worse by climate change. According to the report, the number of countries reporting both disaster and conflict displacements has tripled since 2009.
The rise of these compounding crises points to the need for better preparation and resilience efforts, the report suggests.
'Resolving displacement requires both immediate efforts to help people who have lost everything and investments to address underlying vulnerabilities, so people don't become displaced in the first place,' said IDMC Director Alexandra Bilak in a statement.
More than 20 million people across 49 countries were internally displaced by conflict and violence last year, the report found. All but four of these countries reported disaster displacements as well.
More than 5 million conflict displacements occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the most of any country worldwide. Heavy rainfall also triggered intense floods in the DRC last year, and many roads became blocked by water or by armed groups. The combination of these issues prevented aid organizations from assisting hundreds of thousands of displaced people, the report found.
The report also notes that while some people are able to return home after disasters or conflict subside, many remain displaced for years. Around 65.8 million people were newly displaced in 2024 by both conflict and disasters. But millions of others already were living in displacement at the start of the year.
At the end of 2024, about 83.4 million people were living in displacement worldwide. The vast majority, around 73.5 million, had been forced to move because of conflict — a 10 percent increase over the previous year.
Still, disaster-related displacement is rising even faster. About 9.8 million people worldwide were living in displacement from disasters at the end of 2024 — a 29 percent increase over 2023.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How to Prepare Your Pantry for an Emergency
How to Prepare Your Pantry for an Emergency

New York Times

time12 hours ago

  • New York Times

How to Prepare Your Pantry for an Emergency

Recent disasters, such as the Los Angeles wildfires and Hurricane Helene, have driven home the importance of prioritizing a water-storage plan, even in areas where it seems unlikely to be an issue. Residents in both of these impacted areas — and even in some surrounding communities — were not able to access drinkable water from their taps for weeks. This was particularly challenging in rural North Carolina, where outside agencies and volunteers had a tough time accessing survivors due to the environmental damage. Yet storing water — particularly an appropriate amount — can pose a challenge that goes well beyond adding extra items to your grocery list. At a bare minimum, (the Department of Homeland Security's preparedness-focused public-service site) recommends having a gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and hygiene purposes. So you'll need at least three gallons per individual to meet that three-day guidance. And you should consider upping that stock if you live in a rural area or a warm climate, are pregnant or nursing, have growing kids, or there is someone in your household with medical needs, among other considerations. When it comes to water for pets, some emergency officials recommend that each pet has access to an ounce per pound per day, but it's worth consulting with your vet for their personalized advice. And don't forget to take into account your cooking needs. For example, if you opted for pantry items that require boiled water, such as pasta or grains, you'll need additional water to prep these meals. Water is simply a necessity, so our general approach is this: The more you can have on hand, the better. Of course, it's great if you have the space, time, and funds to have a properly stored pantry full of safe, sanitized, and regularly rotated containers or pallets of water bottles. And we'll get into the logistics of that below. But if you don't, you can still find ways to make water preparation a priority, even as extreme weather approaches. Wirecutter's resident water-quality expert, writer Tim Heffernan, said he believes in making the most of what you already have on hand when disaster strikes. If you're dealing with a storm, that might mean filling up your tub, along with any spare water bottles or water filters and pitchers, before it blows into your area. You can even fill up plastic containers, Heffernan says, and stick them in your fridge or freezer so that you have an extra source of chilled water. 'Cold water is like gold in the aftermath of a hurricane,' he adds. If you're worried about disasters that tend to come with less notice, such as a wildfire or an earthquake, there are tools that can help you supplement your saved stash with whatever water is available. You can use the Sawyer Mini to filter out bacteria and protozoa, and you can attach it directly to a water source or a water bottle. It requires little maintenance, and it's the smallest filter we tested. The portable and versatile Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System is one of the recommendations in our guide to creating an emergency go bag. Its filter removes bacteria and protozoa, including E. coli and Giardia . However, it does not filter out waterborne viruses — for that, you'll need to use purification tablets. Boiling is also effective if you have access to extra water and a way to heat it. Purification tablets — such as the Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets and the Katadyn Micropur MP1 Purification Tablets — are relatively cheap, and they don't require much storage space. But they come with their own limitations. Each individual tablet can purify a liter of water, taking care of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. But the purification process takes four hours, so to make your water drinkable, you need to drop in a tablet hours before taking your first sip. These tablets also don't check all of the contaminant boxes you might be concerned about. So for added safety, we recommend using them in conjunction with a filter. Consider these options to be your plan B (or C). Drink your clean, stored water first. Next, do your best to seek out a secondary safe source, such as a bottled-water distribution site. Finally, turn to these tools to decontaminate water from outside or otherwise-untreated sources. Remember, the top priority is staying hydrated — officials advise against rationing your water. If you're worried about having enough water to last you through a state of emergency, try to reduce your activity, and be sure to stay cool. It can also be helpful to get familiar with your local municipal water provider and save the website. This way, after a disaster you'll know where to turn for boil-water notices or other updates, so you can determine whether to use, treat, or avoid turning on your taps. If you have your own personal water supply, such as a well, it will be up to you to test and assess your water. Store water correctly, and keep it useable Storing water long-term requires a mix of rotating supplies, using your storage space wisely, and keeping out heat and UV light. Soña Lee for NYT Wirecutter Over the years, we've tested multiple large storage containers for water. And we've landed on three recommendations that will fit a variety of needs and spaces. This container holds about enough water for one person for five days. It's tough and easy to use, even when it's full of liquid. But the contents of the container still tasted slightly of plastic, even after a few rinses. Our testers found the Wolverine Tuff Bottle to be the best option of four collapsible water containers. Clocking in at about 40 pounds when full, it's a more portable and easily storable option than some of the bulkier containers below, but the clear, thin plastic makes it more vulnerable to the outside elements. For an even smaller (prepackaged) option, we recommend the Datrex Emergency Drinking Water Pouches, which can be tossed in your go bag and can last up to five years. Rigid containers are generally more durable and leak-resistant, and the Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-Gallon has a built-in handle and spigot that will make it easier to use. This model weighs close to 60 pounds when full, and it is not designed to be stacked. So it'll be a fit for people who are comfortable carrying heavier loads and have ample storage space. This large drum is made of food-grade plastic, and it stores multiple days' worth of water for an entire family. The Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel can store enough water for days, if not weeks, for more than two people. You'll need a pump to get the water out, though. And you probably won't be able to move it because the drum weighs nearly 500 pounds when full. There are a couple of other things to consider before you purchase this water-storage container. First, depending on your living situation, it might not be practical or even possible to have multiple gallons of water ready and waiting at all times. Also, you should remember that it's not just about having the space but having the right space — somewhere dark and cool where the water will remain relatively undisturbed. All of these containers require some prep and maintenance, as well. They must be properly cleaned and sanitized with bleach before each use. Also, be sure you can move them once they're filled, and make sure you can get the water out when it's needed (for some larger storage options, this might require using a pump). You'll need to rotate the water in these containers to prevent algae growth, chemical leeching, and bacteria buildup, though the sources I consulted were split on just how often this is necessary. Guidance is similarly inconsistent across government agencies: FEMA says to rotate your water every six months, but Utah's Department of Environmental Quality recommends rotating your supply every one to two years. Lloyd Call's research has found that when water is stored properly in plastic bottles, it can stay safe long beyond these guidelines. So when it comes to her personal stash, she said she 'doesn't worry' about rotating her water on any specific schedule. For the rest of us, Lloyd Call encourages checking out FEMA's guidance for water storage. But she also advises people to not let perfect be the enemy of getting prepared: If your space, strength, or upkeep tolerance will allow you to store only bottled water, that's still better than nothing. If this is the option you choose, it's best to use commercially bottled water that comes in plastic containers within one to two years, according to Schwan. But if it's stored properly, it's often safe beyond that timeframe. You can follow the same protocol that you established with food: Label your water supplies with a date, and check on those supplies at regular intervals to make sure they're holding up okay. To call out a contradiction, we acknowledge that Wirecutter's sustainability editor, Katie Okamoto, has recommended cutting back on bottled water as a way to reduce consumption of microplastics. As we update our guides, we'll continue exploring more-sustainable and practical options, such as canned water.

Map reveals best and worst places to live for natural disasters
Map reveals best and worst places to live for natural disasters

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

Map reveals best and worst places to live for natural disasters

Not all communities face disasters equally. Some are hit harder, recover slower, or are more vulnerable from the start. FEMA's Risk Map ranks every county and Census tract in the U.S. based on three key factors: how likely a natural disaster is, how socially vulnerable the population is, and how resilient the community might be in the aftermath. The map factors in a wide range of natural hazards, including hurricanes, floods, drought, winter storms, extreme heat and cold, lightning, high winds, earthquakes, avalanches, volcanic activity, and more. Worst places to live: California, Florida, and on the coast Looking at the county version of the map, the worst areas to live are California, Florida, or anywhere on the U.S. coast, with a few exceptions. Most of Texas is moderate to high risk, but there are some pockets of low risk. The same goes for Washington, Oregon, and Nevada. Switching to the Census tract view, which divides cities into many individual tracts, tells the story that most areas still have a mixed risk, with some areas safer than others. Best places to live: New England and Ohio Although West Virginia and Wyoming have no counties in a moderate or higher risk index, these states don't look as good when using the Census tract view. Through that lens, most areas west of the Mississippi are mixed, but much of the Northeast quadrant of the country is lower risk, with exceptions on the coast and in some of the mountains. Vermont is the state with the smallest number of tracts in relatively low or low risk, and none are considered moderate. Rhode Island, mainly because of its size, is another relatively low-risk state, with no moderate risk tracts. New Hampshire only had one moderate risk, and Ohio only had two. Massachusetts is mostly low risk, with a few moderate places, if you exclude Martha's Vineyard, which was high risk. While most cities have some areas of risk, Pittsburgh is the lowest-risk major city, with only very low and relatively low risks in the metro area. Charlotte, North Carolina, also has no tracts with moderate or higher risk. Climate change is making disasters worse, more common Billion-dollar disasters are becoming more frequent due to climate change, according to Climate Central. In 2024, there was less than two weeks between disasters, compared to nearly two months in 1981. Risk map may miss recent disasters, other info Remember, this is a long-term index and takes into account all FEMA disaster declarations in history. It doesn't deduct points for, or may not even include, the most recent disasters, such as Hurricane Helene or the Texas floods. Counties affected by those two recent disasters had few disasters in the past and are still listed as low risk. This risk index also doesn't directly take power outages into account, or non-disaster data like crime, home prices, or gas prices. You can use the map to focus on specific types of disasters which is helpful if you're more concerned about certain threats than others. If you're thinking about relocating, compare the risk where you live now to potential new areas by zooming in and exploring the map. Solve the daily Crossword

Leaked Video Shows Augusta National Under Floodwaters
Leaked Video Shows Augusta National Under Floodwaters

Newsweek

time4 days ago

  • Newsweek

Leaked Video Shows Augusta National Under Floodwaters

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. On Thursday, a video of Augusta National quickly went viral across social media. It captured floodwaters tearing through the historic golf course where Rory McIlroy broke his 11-year curse by winning the Masters in April. The footage showed water surging through Amen Corner, destroying the legendary stretch between the 11th and 13th holes. Newly released video shows Augusta National being overwhelmed by floodwaters. (Image Credits: Screenshot @GOLF_com/X) Newly released video shows Augusta National being overwhelmed by floodwaters. (Image Credits: Screenshot @GOLF_com/X) Twitter Initially, many speculated the clip to be linked with Hurricane Helene that devastated the Southeastern U.S. last year and Augusta National was among the many landmarks reportedly impacted. But reported, citing a source close to Augusta National, that the viral video wasn't from Hurricane Helene's aftermath. Instead, it was filmed earlier this summer, during intense rainfall. Per the report, during that time, Amen Corner was under construction as part of Augusta's offseason routine upgrades. The 92-year-old course traditionally closes in May, after the Masters, and doesn't reopen until the second Monday of October. Construction machinery and torn-up ground visible in the video support this timeline. A source close to Augusta National confirmed to @JoshSens that this floodwater at Augusta National is from a recent storm and not from Hurricane Helene last year. At the time of the flood, the source said, Amen Corner was under construction; off-season upgrades are common at the… — (@GOLF_com) July 25, 2025 The insider revealed to that the footage was captured by a subcontractor who has since been dismissed for leaking the visuals. "Any impact is really just aesthetic," the source said, as captioned in their X post. "Nothing they can't handle." Despite the striking visuals of Rae's Creek overflowing, water rushing from the 12th green toward the 11th fairway, the club reportedly has no permanent structural damage. Considering Augusta National's reputation for rapid recovery, this was no shock. After Hurricane Helene, Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed that the course had "a lot of damage", but they "were able to get that (playing surfaces) back in shape" in time for this year's Masters. Augusta National has a history with floods According to the city's official website, "Augusta has a history of disastrous floods, which led to the construction of the levee in the downtown area. Due to the topography of the city, certain areas are prone to flood-related problems." The region's topography makes certain areas, especially near Rae's Creek, prone to flooding. Just this past Sunday, flash-flood warnings were issued following heavy rainfall, further stressing the area's aging storm drain infrastructure. Local station WRDW-TV reported that clogged and deteriorating drains have worsened recent flooding, particularly along Raes Creek. The city is currently reviewing long-term solutions to mitigate future risks. According to post on X, Augusta National has not responded to multiple media inquiries about the timing or impact of the flood. But the club's silence hasn't stopped fans from speculating. More Golf: Why Rory McIlroy Is Singing Different Tune About PGA Tour-LIV Situation

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store