Environmental disasters, including drought and flood, cost the world more than us $70 billion in 2002, reveals United Nations Environment Programme (unep). This year floods ravaged Europe, China, India, Nepal and Bangladesh killing thousands of people and leaving millions homeless.

"Natural catastrophes, a vast majority of which have been weather-related, have cost countries and communities an estimated us $56 billion during the period January to September 2002,' said a un statement.

The document reveals that more than 9,400 people died in these disasters