This study provides a comprehensive analysis of global flood fatalities from 1975 to 2022, focusing on the frequency of loss of life, mortality fractions, and underlying trends. The dataset is compiled using the EM-DAT disaster database, extending previous studies. Key findings include: 1. **Global Frequency and Impact**: Floods are the most frequent natural disasters, with riverine and flash floods being the most common. Flash floods lead to the highest mortality fractions per event. 2. **Trends in Fatalities**: Despite population growth and increasing flood hazards, the average number of fatalities per event has declined over time. This trend is more pronounced in middle- and high-middle-income countries, while low-income countries have seen an increase. 3. **Mortality Fractions**: Mortality fractions, which measure the relative vulnerability of populations, have decreased over time for middle- and high-middle-income countries but increased for low-income countries. 4. **Economic and Social Factors**: Improved flood risk management practices, such as better forecasting, early warning systems, and protective measures, have contributed to the decline in average impacts per event. 5. **Data Sources and Limitations**: The study uses the EM-DAT database, which includes various international, governmental, commercial, and NGO data sources. Limitations include biases in reporting and the need for consistent data over time. The study highlights the importance of continued and expanded risk reduction and adaptation efforts, particularly in low-income countries, to further reduce flood-related fatalities.This study provides a comprehensive analysis of global flood fatalities from 1975 to 2022, focusing on the frequency of loss of life, mortality fractions, and underlying trends. The dataset is compiled using the EM-DAT disaster database, extending previous studies. Key findings include: 1. **Global Frequency and Impact**: Floods are the most frequent natural disasters, with riverine and flash floods being the most common. Flash floods lead to the highest mortality fractions per event. 2. **Trends in Fatalities**: Despite population growth and increasing flood hazards, the average number of fatalities per event has declined over time. This trend is more pronounced in middle- and high-middle-income countries, while low-income countries have seen an increase. 3. **Mortality Fractions**: Mortality fractions, which measure the relative vulnerability of populations, have decreased over time for middle- and high-middle-income countries but increased for low-income countries. 4. **Economic and Social Factors**: Improved flood risk management practices, such as better forecasting, early warning systems, and protective measures, have contributed to the decline in average impacts per event. 5. **Data Sources and Limitations**: The study uses the EM-DAT database, which includes various international, governmental, commercial, and NGO data sources. Limitations include biases in reporting and the need for consistent data over time. The study highlights the importance of continued and expanded risk reduction and adaptation efforts, particularly in low-income countries, to further reduce flood-related fatalities.