River floods pose significant risks, affecting over 21 million people globally, with projections estimating 54 million at risk by 2030. The economic impact is substantial, with current risks amounting to $96 billion, rising to $521 billion by 2030, particularly in countries like India, Bangladesh, and China. The document highlights the importance of global flood risk assessment and future projections to inform protective measures.

1. GLOBAL RIVER FLOOD RISKS
Tianyi Luo, Research Analyst, and Charles Iceland, Aqueduct Director
www.wri.org/floods

2. Why Do River Floods Matter?
1. SCALE Floods affect more people than
any other natural disaster
2. DAMAGE Floods from rivers cause as
much or more damage in some countries
as rising seas, storm surges.
3. RISKS RISING 21 million people at risk
now – 54 million expected in 2030.

3. Key Findings
1. POPULATION: 21 million people
worldwide currently at risk – 54 million
projected in 2030
2. GDP: $96 billion at risk currently -- $521
billion projected by 2030
3. TOP COUNTRIES: India, Bangladesh,
China, Vietnam, Pakistan.

7. Global Flood Analyzer
1. Estimates current and
future risk exposure (2030)
2. By Urban Damage, GDP,
Population
3. For every country, state,
and major river basin
globally

8. A Few Things About Our Data
1. GLOBAL
COVERAGE
2. HIGH
RESOLUTION
3. LATEST GLOBAL
CLIMATE MODELS
By country, river
basin, and state
1 km
IPCC AR5
Sources: Hessel et al., 2013; Philip et al., 2013.

9. Aqueduct Flood Analyzer Partners

10. What’s Next?
1. Coastal storm surge risk
2. Estimates of actual levels of protection
worldwide
3. Estimates of viability, cost, and benefits of
protection measures

11. What’s Next?
1. Coastal storm surge risk
2. Estimates of actual levels of protection
worldwide
3. Estimates of viability, cost, and benefits of
protection measures

12. Questions or comments?
Contact: Tianyi Luo, tluo@wri.org
Find us on Twitter: @WRIAqueduct
www.wri.org/floods