Why is the Philippines the most at-risk country for Natural Disasters?

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

Geography of Philippines

The Philippines is called an archipelago country with 118.3 million population in total according to the U.S. Census Bureau which reported on July 2024. An area that is surrounded by a group of islands that are scattered in lakes, rivers, or oceans is termed an “Archipelago”. It is a Southeast Asian country with over 7000 islands between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Only 2000 islands are inhabited by humans. The risk of natural calamity/disaster for the Philippines can be easily understood from its geographical location. The vast range of ocean and the active volcanic mountains cause major damage to the lives and livelihood of the people.

List of Natural Disasters in the Philippines

The Philippines is vulnerable to the following natural disasters

  • Tsunami
  • Landslide
  • Volcanic Eruption
  • Earthquakes
  • Flood
  • Typhoons
  • Drought

It was reported in January 2024 that the Philippines has 24 active volcanoes among which six volcanoes are more active, which might cause risk to the lives at any time of eruption.

Name of the Active volcanoLocation
Mt.MayonSouthern part of Luzon, which is 500 km south of Manila.
Mt.PinatuboAt the tripoint boundary of provinces- Zambles, Tarlac, and Pampanga.
Mt.TaalProvince of Batangas
Mt.Hibok HibokCamiguin island
Mt.BulusanProvince of Sorsogon
Mt.KanlaonProvinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental

It adds an even worse scenario for the people because Philippines is located at the meeting point of two tectonic plates, the Eurasian and Philippine sea plate. Hence, the country encounters unexpected earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Keep Reading

World Risk Index (WRI)

The World Risk Index (WRI) reports the possibility of natural disasters which is will be encountered by the United Member States. There are 193 United Member States associated with the UN. This report is published annually and for the past consecutive 16 years, the Philippines has been tagged as the country that is at the most risk for natural calamities. It has secured first place with 46.91 points. Based on the 100 indicators they calculate the country’s prone to the disaster.

Maria Antonia, the Environmental Secretary of the Philippines said,

“The Philippines though affected by many natural hazards, our country is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with a steady population growth and declining poverty rate. This explains our high exposure and vulnerability”.

“It is a clear reminder that we need to work together to tackle and address the challenges and issues at hand”, said by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)

Tags: Philippines
Desk Writer

Spends most of the time reading news all around the world. Strong knowledge and understanding of the current situation and happenings in the ASEAN region.

Recent Posts

League of Legends Riftbound Trading Card Game Coming in English Language This October

This year marks the tenth anniversary for the League of Legends Riftbound trading card game, which offers a new experience…

July 11, 2025

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Regional Final: Where to Watch?

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Regional Final 2025, is a much awaited and a crucial qualifier event that…

July 11, 2025

Korea’s Heartwarming Film ‘Picnic’ Will Hit the Japanese Theatres This SEP 2025

This year many South Korean movies that were previously released are premiering in Japan this year. To promote both the…

July 11, 2025

Tesla Cars to Get Grok AI Integration Next Week, Musk Confirms

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that Grok, the AI assistant embraced by his artificial intelligence operation xAI, will be…

July 11, 2025

Netflix Rolls Out the Premiering Poster of Philippine Adaptation of ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’!

Netflix makes a cross-cultural healing of story narration through the drama ‘It’s Ok To Not Be Okay’. It was a…

July 11, 2025

2025 Round In Malaysia Music Festival Television Premiere: Date & Time

The first ever premier of ‘2025 Round In Malaysia’ music festival on the television of Malaysia has been marked as…

July 11, 2025