What most likely accounts for the increasing number of natural disasters and huge economic losses worldwide?

Answer: A sharp increase in population around the world

Explanation:

Natural disasters such as flooding, land slides and mass wasting are closely related to the effects of creating room for an increasing population. The expansion of human habitation and industrialization put a lot of strain on the environment by depleting forests, altering the course of rivers for irrigation and pollution.

Natural disasters are accompanied by huge economic losses in the form of loss of property and disruption to business activities.