The World Risk Report 2024 highlights the top seven countries at highest risk for natural disasters, evaluating their vulnerability to extreme events. The Philippines leads with the most significant risks due to typhoons and earthquakes, followed by Indonesia, India, Colombia, Mexico, Myanmar, and Mozambique, each showcasing unique vulnerabilities influenced by geography and socio-economic conditions.
As the impacts of climate change worsen, the occurrence of natural disasters has surged. The World Risk Report 2024 highlights the leading ten countries most susceptible to such calamities, assessing their exposure and vulnerabilities to extreme events like earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and droughts. The following countries emerge as the most at risk:
1. Philippines: With a World Risk Index (WRI) score of 46.91, the Philippines faces significant hazards including typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, exacerbated by its geography and socio-economic needs.
2. Indonesia: Indonesia scores 41.13 on the WRI, mainly due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which makes it prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity, especially with its densely populated communities in hazard-prone areas.
3. India: Earning a WRI of 40.96, India is at risk from various natural disasters such as floods and cyclones, as rapid urbanization and socio-economic disparities heighten its vulnerability.
4. Colombia: With a WRI score of 37.81, Colombia is vulnerable to earthquakes and floods, influenced by its diverse geography and socio-political challenges.
5. Mexico: Mexico’s WRI of 35.93 reflects its exposure to earthquakes and hurricanes, where urbanization and socio-economic issues increase its disaster risk.
6. Myanmar: Scoring 35.85 on the WRI, Myanmar is threatened by cyclones and floods, with limited infrastructure and socio-economic difficulties heightening its susceptibility.
7. Mozambique: With a WRI score of 34.44, Mozambique contends with cyclones and droughts, with inadequate infrastructure and socio-economic factors contributing to its high risk of disasters.
In summary, the World Risk Report 2024 identifies several nations facing the greatest peril from natural disasters, with specific geographical and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The Philippines, Indonesia, and India rank among the most compromised, each facing unique challenges. It is essential for these countries to develop intensifying and comprehensive strategies to bolster their disaster resilience.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
