This was due to greater numbers of people moving to the coastal margins and into harm's way. Despite advances in warning strategies and reduction in track forecast error, this increase in fatalities is expected to continue for as long as people migrate towards the shore.
The increase in deaths is due to an increased population moving towards coastal areas, increasing their vulnerability. Even with better warning systems and improved forecasts, this trend of higher fatalities will continue as long as people choose to live near the shoreline.