The World Risk Report 2024 identifies the top seven countries most vulnerable to natural disasters, emphasizing the impact of climate change. Key factors contributing to their risk include geographical location, urbanization, and socio-economic disparities. The Philippines, Indonesia, and India are the most susceptible, with specific threats like typhoons, earthquakes, and floods influencing their high risk profiles.
As climate change exacerbates natural disasters, the World Risk Report 2024 highlights the countries most vulnerable to these events. The report evaluates exposure, vulnerability, and susceptibility to extreme natural phenomena like earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and droughts. Here are the top seven countries identified with their respective WorldRiskIndex (WRI) scores:
1. Philippines: Scoring 46.91, the Philippines suffers from typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, with its archipelagic setting and socio-economic challenges amplifying its disaster risks.
2. Indonesia: With a WRI of 41.13, Indonesia’s location along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity, compounded by dense populations in risk-prone areas.
3. India: India, with a WRI of 40.96, faces threats from floods, cyclones, and earthquakes, where rapid urbanization and socio-economic disparities increase vulnerability.
4. Colombia: Scoring 37.81, Colombia is impacted by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods, where its diverse geography and socio-political conditions exacerbate vulnerability.
5. Mexico: Mexico’s disaster risk, with a WRI of 35.93, arises from earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanic activity, intensified by urbanization in hazard-prone regions and socio-economic difficulties.
6. Myanmar: With a WRI of 35.85, Myanmar faces cyclones, floods, and earthquakes, with limited infrastructure and socio-economic issues heightening its susceptibility to disasters.
7. Mozambique: Mozambique, scoring 34.44 on the WRI, is at high risk for cyclones, floods, and droughts, where socio-economic factors and inadequate infrastructure worsen the risk profile.
In conclusion, the World Risk Report 2024 reveals that the Philippines, Indonesia, and India are among the most vulnerable countries to natural disasters, characterized by their respective WRI scores and geographical challenges. Factors such as urbanization, socio-economic disparities, and limited infrastructure significantly contribute to the heightened disaster risk in these nations. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted disaster mitigation strategies to address vulnerabilities.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
