The Philippines Tops World’s Riskiest Countries for Third Year in a Row

Once again, the Philippines has been ranked as the most at-risk country in the world, according to the 2024 World Risk Report. This marks the third consecutive year the nation has topped the list, highlighting the country’s continued vulnerability to natural disasters. With a risk index score of 46.91 — its highest in three years — the Philippines faces frequent typhoons, earthquakes, and flooding due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it highly susceptible to extreme natural events.

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Philippines ranks among world’s riskiest countries

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The World Risk Index is an annual report that evaluates 193 countries based on several factors: exposure to disasters, vulnerability, and the ability to cope with and adapt to risks. These elements are combined to produce a risk score, and for the Philippines, it’s a tough reality that disaster preparedness remains a major challenge.

In recent years, the Philippines has experienced some of the most devastating natural disasters. Typhoon Goni (locally known as Rolly) in 2020, for instance, was one of the strongest storms ever recorded, affecting millions and leading to overcrowded evacuation centres — conditions that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in natural calamities during the pandemic also intensified mental health issues among Filipinos and strained the country's humanitarian response.

Despite efforts to improve disaster response, the Philippines’ geography makes it naturally prone to risks. The nation is hit by an average of 20 typhoons annually and is frequently subject to seismic activity, which contributes to the country's high exposure score. Vulnerability, which measures the nation's ability to recover from these disasters, remains a critical area for improvement.

Joining the Philippines at the top of the list of riskiest countries are Indonesia, India, Colombia, and Mexico. These nations, too, face frequent natural disasters, further amplified by their vulnerability. Meanwhile, countries like Monaco, Andorra, and San Marino were ranked among the safest in terms of disaster risk, with low exposure and strong coping capacities.

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As the Philippines continues to deal with the impacts of natural calamities, there is an urgent need for the country to enhance its disaster preparedness and improve infrastructure to mitigate future risks. With climate change contributing to more frequent and intense weather events, building resilience is more important than ever for the country and its people.

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