All articles tagged with #weather disasters
The Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters Database, recently reinstated by Climate Central after being discontinued during the Trump administration, reports that the first half of 2025 has caused over $100 billion in damages from extreme weather events in the US, with a notable increase in billion-dollar disasters driven by climate change, population growth, and increased infrastructure in harm's way.
Heavy rainfall in the United Arab Emirates and Oman has caused widespread flooding, leading to at least 18 deaths in Oman and the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport. The deluge in Dubai alone equaled a year's worth of rain, marking the largest rainfall event in 75 years for the country. Videos on social media showed planes taxiing through deep water at the airport, and drivers abandoned their vehicles on flooded highways. More rain is expected to continue into Wednesday, with officials warning of heavy thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail in Oman.
The contiguous United States experienced a record-breaking 28 billion-dollar weather disasters in 2023, the highest number since 1980, with a total cost of $92.9 billion. Severe storm events accounted for the majority of the disasters, with 19 events costing $54 billion. Climate change is cited as a significant factor in the increasing frequency and cost of these disasters. Additionally, 2023 saw the warmest December on record and ranked as the fifth warmest year on record for the U.S., with a notable lack of bitter cold and widespread warmth contributing to record-low snow cover.
The United States has already surpassed the annual record for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, with 23 such events occurring so far this year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These disasters have caused 253 fatalities and $57.6 billion in damages, with four months still remaining in the year. The impact of extreme weather is being exacerbated by decisions to build and rebuild in high-risk areas, as well as the climate crisis. The increasing frequency of disasters is straining resources and putting pressure on FEMA's disaster relief fund, which may run out of money this month. Lawmakers are being urged to invest in resilience measures to better protect people and infrastructure from the impacts of extreme weather.