While two world wars and numerous armed conflicts have framed the humanitarian agenda in the 20th century, natural disasters are a seething and growing problem that affects developing countries and the poor the hardest. Yet, emergency aid funds for dealing with natural disasters have plunged by 40% over the last 5 years, according to a new report on the issue. 
 
In addition, 1998 was the worst year on record for natural disasters, which caused more damage than ever before, according to the World Disasters Report 1999, issued by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in June. Last year, natural disasters created 25 million refugees, more than did wars and conflict.

Natural disasters have become a growing humanitarian issue, with 1998 being the worst on record, and 1998 creating 25 million refugees, more than wars and conflict combined.

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Report warns of more natural disasters

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