Amazing supercell in Colorado, USA. Photo: WMO/Guillaume Hobam

In a statement issued on World Meteorological Day, March 23, the UN said that about 33% of the world's population, mainly in the least developed countries and developing small island countries, do not have an early warning system for natural disasters. 60% of people in Africa are enduring weather disasters.

Although the early warning system plan is estimated to cost 1.5 billion USD, the UN insists it will be a reasonable amount of money compared to the devastation of meteorological disasters.

World Meteorological Organization’s Secretary General Petteri Taalas said 1.5 billion USD is needed to build early warning services for weather, water and climate. WMO believes this investment will save countless lives, protect the most vulnerable and make good economic sense, he said.