Natural disasters are on the rise and are increasingly being linked to climate change. But the truth is they are claiming fewer lives every year, even as the number of people affected soars. And far fewer would die if governments and aid agencies put more effort into prevention measures.

• Disasters kill fewer people but affect more
• Climate change expected to increase threat from weather hazards
• $1 invested in reducing disasters in developing countries estimated to save $7 in losses

Poverty, political instability and environmental degradation increase people's vulnerability to disasters. Children, women and older people also face higher risk.

But there is much that governments, communities and aid agencies can do to prepare for emergencies and stop hazards turning into crises.

Measures to reduce the risk of disasters can save both lives and money.

Examples include planting mangroves in Vietnam and Bangladesh, to protect against storms and coastal erosion, and Chinese investment in flood control.

And even the simplest measures in the poorest communities can make a huge difference - from early warning systems, evacuation and rescue training to first aid.

Aid specialists increasingly argue that donors should invest more money in preparing for disasters, reducing the amount they have to spend on responding to emergencies.