In a statement, the UN chief noted that, although these phenomena are infrequent, their consequences can be extremely devastating.

They can claim hundreds of thousands of lives, but there are ways to protect the population.

After the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, the world chose to invest in early warning systems. Decades later, that decision is bearing fruit, he noted.

The earthquake off the Russian coast at the end of July triggered alarms for millions, from the coasts of Japan to the Pacific islands and California.

However, the risks continue to evolve. With rising sea levels and the growing number of people living near the coast, these systems require investment and upgrades, he added.

He also highlighted the importance of the Early Warnings for All initiative, created by the UN in 2022 to ensure that, by the end of 2027, everyone on Earth is protected from dangerous weather, water, or climate events.

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