Population growth, rapid urbanization and unfettered development of coastal areas in the Asia-Pacific region are increasing the risk of heavy damage from powerful typhoons, experts said.
They urged governments and the private sector to collaborate on improving urban planning, protecting mangroves and developing "sponge cities" that can absorb water and prevent flooding. "(Cities) need to move from unplanned urbanization to planned urbanization," said Loretta Hieber Girardet, chief of Asia-Pacific at the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction in Bangkok.
"They need to plan urban growth — and that's not happening in Asia to the extent that it needs to happen."