The year 2017 was the most expensive on record for the United States in terms of the damages caused by natural disasters. Sixteen disasters exceeded $1 billion each in losses, with their total cost pegged at $306 billion (Rs 19.42 lakh crore), said the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Monday.
The organisation has kept records of weather-related disasters costing over $1 billion (Rs 6348 crore) since 1980. In 2017, the disasters led to losses worth over $90 billion (Rs 5.71 lakh crore) more than the last costliest year, 2005.
The billion-dollar disasters in 2017 included a freeze, a drought, a wildfire, two floods, three major hurricanes and eight severe storms.
Hurricane Harvey was the most expensive disaster since Hurricane Katrina, leading to losses amounting to $125 billion (Rs 7.94 lakh crore). Hurricane Maria caused damages worth $90 billion (Rs 5.71 lakh crore), and Irma in September 2017 cost $50 billion (Rs 3.17 lakh crore).
The wildfires in western United States in December led to losses of $18 billion (Rs 1.14 lakh crore), three times the previous record for losses due to wildfires.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!