The detrimental effects caused by river flooding are increasing to the point the number of people affected worldwide could nearly triple in the next 15 years, according to the World Resources Institute (WRI).
The institute's analysis shows that some 20 million people worldwide are exposed to flooding risks. This number is expected to rise to around 50 million by 2030.
The economical costs of flooding are also an alarming factor. In 15 years time, the annual cost to the world economy could reach more than £340bn.
According to WRI, the two main causes of such increase are climate change and population growth, with an increasing number of people living in areas prone to flooding.
