Floods, cyclones and other extreme weather events in the first half of 2019 report that some 7 million people worldwide have become internally displaced. This was reported by the Geneva-based Center for Internally Displaced Persons (IDMC).
Cyclone "Fani" in India and Bangladesh and Zyklon "Idai", which raged in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Madagascar, were among the worst weather disasters. Floods such as Iran, Ethiopia, Bolivia and the Philippines have been similarly destructive.
By the end of the year, the number of those displaced by weather events could increase to 22 million, writes the Observatory. The reason: According to experts, the second half of the year is more prone to weather risks. This could be one of the most devastating years since records began in 2019, the IDMC said.
The non-governmental organization evaluated data from governments, United Nations agencies and media reports for the report. Internally displaced people flee within their home country, so they do not cross national borders.