Vietnam faces unprecedented storms and floods if it loses coral reefs

The disappearance of the world's coral reefs could make storms and floods two to four times more dangerous than they are today.

The loss of the world's coral reefs could make coastal flooding twice as dangerous and triple the destructive power of storms.

According to a study recently published in the scientific journalNature CommunicationsAlong with risks like rising sea levels and global warming, the disappearance of coral reefs could make flooding four times more dangerous by the end of the 21st century.

Additionally, without the protection of coral reefs, a major hurricane could be twice as dangerous and cause tens of billions of dollars in damage.

Specifically, scientists calculate that flooding in coastal areas could cause nearly $4 billion in damage each year. However, if global coral reefs eroded by about 1 meter, the damage could double to $8 billion.

The most vulnerable countries include Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico and Cuba. Saudi Arabia, the United States, Taiwan (China) and Vietnam are also at risk.

Michael Beck, an expert at the University of California and the lead author of the study, said coral reefs are "natural barriers" that help reduce the destructive power of large waves.

As a result, as these barriers shrink or disappear, many coastal areas will face the risk of unprecedented, devastating floods.

According to scientists, many of the world's 71,000 square kilometers of coral reefs are being destroyed by human activities in coastal areas. In addition, corals are also affected by warming seas.

Previously, in 2016, an unusually high sea temperature surge killed nearly 30% of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.