U.S. Breaks Record for Costly Weather Disasters, Tops $57 Billion So Far in 2023
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U.S. sets new record with 23 billion-dollar climate disasters so far in 2023, breaking previous record of 22 in 2020.
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Costs from 2023 disasters so far exceed $57.6 billion; number killed 253. More costs still being tallied.
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Costliest disaster was March severe storms, winds and tornadoes at $6.1 billion. Maui wildfires caused $5.5 billion in damage.
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Increase due to climate change, where/how we build, and value of structures at risk. Vulnerability high where building codes insufficient.
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Since 1980, 371 billion-dollar disasters have hit U.S. totaling over $2.6 trillion in costs. Annual average has been 18 such events from 2018-2022.