The head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Margareta Wahlström, raised her concerns about the future development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the face of extreme weather events.
In a statement Wahlström said it was remarkable that in the two weeks since the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, both the Republic of Vanuatu and the Federated States of Micronesia have been forced to declare a state of emergency.
This was following two separate Category 5 cyclones which have caused several deaths, population displacement and widespread destruction.
This weekend many millions of people could be affected across the Philippines by Typhoon Maysak depending on its strength when it makes expected landfall.
She added the Pacific is a constant reminder to the rest of the world of what is at stake this year as agreement is sought on climate and new sustainable development goals.
