In 2012, 357 natural triggered disasters1 were registered. This was both less than the average annual disaster frequency observed from 2002 to 2011 (394), and represented a decrease in associated human impacts of disasters in 2012, which were at their lowest level compared to previous years. However, natural disasters still killed a significant number, a total of 9,655 people were killed (annual average 2002-2011:107,000) and 124.5 million people become victims worldwide (annual average 2002-2011:268 million). Contrary to other indicators, economic damages from natural disasters did show an increase to above average levels (143 billion 2012 US $), with estimates placing the figure at US$ 157 billion.
