An Analysis of Post-Disaster Needs Assessments

The increasing frequency and severity of weather, climate, and water-related hazards—driven by climate change—are placing growing pressure on communities, economies, and ecosystems. Rising global temperatures are intensifying droughts, cyclones, and floods, while shifting precipitation patterns threaten infrastructure, food security, and public health. These compounding risks are reversing development gains and exposing systemic vulnerabilities, particularly in regions with limited adaptive capacity.

In response, this joint publication by the WMO and the UNDP presents a sectoral analysis of 91 weather, climate, and water-related Post-Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNAs) conducted between 2000 and 2024. The report highlights the socioeconomic impacts of hydrometeorological hazards, with recurring patterns of losses and damages observed in key sectors such as agriculture, housing, and transport. These sectors face both direct physical destruction and long-term disruptions to services, supply chains, and livelihoods.
The findings emphasize the need to move beyond reactive disaster response toward proactive, risk-informed development. Strengthening early warning systems, integrating National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, and improving access to standardized hazard-impact data are essential for effective preparedness and resilience investments.

Embedding resilience in recovery—through safer construction, adaptive land use, and diversified livelihoods—can reduce future losses and contribute to long-term sustainability. This publication positions PDNAs as more than recovery tools: they are strategic entry points for aligning disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation with national development agendas. It calls for stronger collaboration among governments, technical agencies, and donors to transform lessons into actionable policies that protect lives and build resilience in an era of increasing climate risk.