Data from: A global dataset for economic losses of extreme hydrological events during 1960-2014

A comprehensive dataset of extreme hydrological events (EHEs) – floods and
droughts, consisting of 2,171 occurrences worldwide, during 1960‐2014 was
compiled, and then their economic losses were normalized using a price
index in U.S. dollar. The dataset showed a significant increasing trend of
EHEs before 2000, while a slight post‐2000 decline. Correspondingly, the
EHEs‐caused economic losses increased obviously before 2000 followed by a
slight decrease; the post‐2000 decline could be partially attributed to
the decreases in drought and flood‐prone area, or climate adaptation
practices. Spatially, Asia experienced most EHEs (969), corresponding to
the largest share of economic losses (approximately $868 billion for
floods and $50 billion for droughts, respectively), while Oceania had the
least EHEs (102) and the least economic losses (approximately $19 billion
for floods and $45 billion for droughts). The five countries with the
highest EHE‐caused economic losses were China, USA, Canada, Australia, and
India. Countries that suffered the highest flood‐caused economic losses
were China, USA, and Canada. This dataset provides a quantitative linkage
between climate science and economic losses at a global scale; and it is
beneficial for the regional climatic impact assessments and strategical
development for mitigating climate change impacts.