A recent string of natural disasters, the latest a deadly earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, have exacted a severe toll both in economic damage and human lives throughout Asia. Such disasters tend to hurt the poorest people in the poorest countries most severely, even if the economic toll can be highest in more affluent countries like Japan. Annual losses from disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis and typhoons average $250 billion to $300 billion, according to UNISDR, with the largest share in Asia. The extent of the damage was unknown as rescuers struggled to reach remote areas affected by the disaster. ———SEVERE STORMS — JAPANLandslides and flooding in western Japan killed 229 people in early July and inflicted damage exceeding $2 billion.

Source: ABC News October 01, 2018 01:30 UTC