According to a study released by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), India has been ranked third among the top five most disaster-hit countries in 2015. India has suffered more than 2,800 deaths and over Rs 22,000 crore economic damage in the last year alone. Worldwide, the economic losses have been estimated at $66.5 billion and over 22,700 people dead.

After China and the US, which have been hit by 26 and 22 disasters respectively last year, India is the most affected country having suffered 19 disasters in 2015.  The head of UNISDR, Robert Glasser, said 2015 was the hottest year on record and this has confirmed that weather and climate-related disasters now dominate trends linked to natural hazards.

Reducing greenhouse gases and adapting to climate change are the only way out for countries seeking to reduce disaster risk now and in the future.

The UNISDR chief warned that earthquakes are the most deadly natural hazard and countries must ensure compliance with building codes. He cited the example of Nepal earthquake which saw huge economic losses and left at least 9,000 people dead.

According to the UNISDR, 2015 contributed to a major loss of life from heatwaves, a combined total of 7,346 deaths, including France (3,275), India (2,248) and Pakistan (1,229). At least 1.2 million people were affected by extreme temperatures.