More than 1.8 billion people across the world live in areas with a significant risk of flooding, driven by climate change and human activities, according to the latest World Risk Report released on Wednesday.

The report noted that flooding was a major global hazard in 2024, accounting for 142 disaster events. Floods ranked as the second most common disaster trigger after storms.

One of the worst incidents occurred in October 2024 in Spain’s Valencia region, where heavy rainfall and flooding claimed more than 220 lives.

The report’s authors, from the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, stressed that the impact of disasters is being magnified by climate change, rapid urban expansion and environmental degradation. The study was produced in partnership with Alliance Development Works, a coalition of 11 international development aid organisations.

The report further highlighted that global risk is also shaped by social inequality, structural vulnerability and weak healthcare systems. These factors affect even wealthy nations, particularly when governments cut back spending in essential sectors.

According to the authors, effective prevention strategies can significantly reduce the toll of flooding. They recommended early preparedness measures such as installing functional warning systems, providing community shelters, and ensuring residents in flood-prone areas receive training and support. Provisions to divert and control excess water were also emphasised as vital steps in reducing disaster impacts.