Top 7 Countries with the Highest Risk of Natural Disasters

The World Risk Report 2024 lists the top seven countries most vulnerable to natural disasters due to climate change. The Philippines ranks the highest, followed by Indonesia and India, all at risk for various natural events such as earthquakes and floods. Socio-economic conditions and geographical challenges contribute to their vulnerability.

As global climate change accelerates, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters have surged. The World Risk Report 2024 has identified the most vulnerable countries regarding exposure, susceptibility, and capacity to withstand extreme natural events like earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and droughts. The following seven nations are recognized for their high disaster risk:

1. Philippines: The Philippines holds the highest risk with a WorldRiskIndex score of 46.91 due to its exposure to typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Its geographical layout and socio-economic challenges exacerbate this vulnerability.

2. Indonesia: Scoring 41.13, Indonesia’s location along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it particularly prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The concentration of the population in hazardous areas amplifies this risk.

3. India: With a score of 40.96, India’s diverse risk landscape includes floods, cyclones, and earthquakes. Rapid urbanization and significant socio-economic disparities further heighten its susceptibility to natural disasters.

4. Colombia: Colombia, with a WorldRiskIndex of 37.81, faces multiple threats, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods. The nation’s complex topography coupled with socio-political issues contributes to its high vulnerability.

5. Mexico: The country scores 35.93, indicating considerable exposure to earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanic activity. Urbanization in high-risk areas along with economic challenges increases Mexico’s disaster risk.

6. Myanmar: Scoring 35.85, Myanmar is at risk from cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. Insufficient infrastructure and ongoing socio-economic issues further aggravate the present dangers.

7. Mozambique: With a WorldRiskIndex score of 34.44, Mozambique’s vulnerabilities include cyclones, floods, and droughts, significantly affected by socio-economic conditions and inadequate infrastructure.

The World Risk Report 2024 highlights significant disparities in disaster vulnerabilities among nations. The Philippines, Indonesia, India, Colombia, Mexico, Myanmar, and Mozambique emerge as the most at-risk countries due to their environmental and socio-economic conditions. Addressing the drivers of these vulnerabilities is imperative for enhancing resilience against natural disasters in these regions.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com