Asia growth brings disaster risks: UN

GDP per capita in the region has increased 13-fold since 1980 but disaster losses have risen 16-fold,it said.

8220;The region has been slow to be concerned by how the growth of disaster risks has been spurred by rapid economic growth,8221; said the report from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

The UN noted a 8220;pattern of recent growth where most new development in the region has been along coastlines and in floodplains,locations highly exposed to natural hazards8221;.

The report,released today at the start of a regional conference on reducing disaster risks being held in Yogyakarta,central Java,urged countries in the region to spend more to avert future catastrophes.

8220;The region has yet to commit adequate resources to reduce disaster risks and protect the development gains made possible by sustained growth,8221; it said.