Top 7 Countries Most Vulnerable to Natural Disasters

The World Risk Report 2024 identifies the top seven countries most vulnerable to natural disasters: the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Colombia, Mexico, Myanmar, and Mozambique. Each country’s risk level is influenced by geographical factors, urbanization, and socio-economic issues, leading to a heightened susceptibility to hazards like earthquakes, floods, and typhoons.

As climate change leads to more extreme weather events, the World Risk Report 2024 highlights countries most at risk of natural disasters based on their vulnerability and susceptibility.

1. Philippines: Scoring 46.91 on the World Risk Index (WRI), the Philippines faces frequent typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, partly due to its geography and socio-economic issues.

2. Indonesia: With a WRI score of 41.13, Indonesia is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it vulnerable to significant earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, exacerbated by high population densities in risky areas.

3. India: India has a WRI of 40.96, indicating vulnerability to flooding, cyclones, and earthquakes, with rapid urbanization and economic disparities contributing to its risks.

4. Colombia: Scoring 37.81 on the WRI, Colombia’s risk factors include earthquakes, volcanic activities, and floods, driven by its diverse terrain and socio-political conditions.

5. Mexico: With a WRI score of 35.93, Mexico experiences significant threats from earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanos, further complicated by urbanization in at-risk regions and socio-economic challenges.

6. Myanmar: Myanmar’s WRI score of 35.85 reflects its susceptibility to cyclones, floods, and earthquakes, stemming from inadequate infrastructure and ongoing socio-economic issues.

7. Mozambique: Scoring 34.44 on the WRI, Mozambique is at risk from cyclones, floods, and droughts, influenced by socio-economic factors and insufficient infrastructure.

In conclusion, the World Risk Report 2024 identifies the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Colombia, Mexico, Myanmar, and Mozambique as the countries with the highest natural disaster risks. Their vulnerability is attributed to a combination of geographical factors, socio-economic disparities, and inadequate infrastructure, all exacerbated by climate change. Addressing these issues is crucial for mitigating future disaster impacts.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com