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

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.

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.

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)