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Natural disasters are escalating globally, driven by climate change and environmental factors. From earthquakes and tsunamis to hurricanes and floods, nations face increasing vulnerabilities. The 2024 World Risk Report, developed by Ruhr University Bochum and Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft, an alliance of nine German development organizations, evaluates the disaster risks of 193 countries using the World Risk Index. This technical report provides an in-depth look at the most disaster-prone nations.
Click on to discover the top 15 countries most vulnerable to natural disasters.
Yemen faces a range of natural disasters, including devastating flash floods, prolonged droughts, and intense cyclones like Chapala in 2015.
The ongoing conflict hinders disaster response, leaving millions vulnerable to water scarcity, famine, and extreme weather, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Somalia grapples with recurring droughts, such as the ongoing Horn of Africa crisis, and flash floods that destroy infrastructure.
Cyclones like Gati in 2020 highlight its vulnerability, compounded by conflict and insufficient disaster preparedness.
Cyclones and ongoing droughts heavily affect Madagascar, displacing communities and damaging agriculture.
The island's biodiversity faces additional threats from deforestation and climate change, worsening food insecurity and environmental degradation.
Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Papua New Guinea endures frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
Rising sea levels and tropical cyclones threaten its coastal communities, impacting fishing and agriculture-based economies.
Peru faces frequent earthquakes and landslides, particularly in its mountainous Andes regions, where seismic activity is high due to tectonic plate movements.
Climate change threatens Andean glaciers, impacting water supplies, while flooding and El Niño events disrupt agricultural productivity and livelihoods.
Pakistan suffers from extreme flooding, such as the 2022 monsoon disaster, which submerged a third of the country.
Earthquakes in its northern regions and rising temperatures worsen water scarcity, increasing agricultural and economic challenges.
Bangladesh, a low-lying delta, faces frequent cyclones, riverine flooding, and erosion due to its location near the Bay of Bengal.
Rising sea levels threaten millions, particularly in coastal areas, while climate change exacerbates displacement, food security, and economic vulnerabilities.
Russia faces wildfires, especially in Siberia, along with floods and earthquakes. Thawing permafrost disrupts infrastructure, releasing greenhouse gases.
Climate change accelerates these risks, particularly in northern regions, affecting ecosystems and local communities.
Cyclones like Idai and Kenneth, both in 2019, devastated Mozambique, displacing millions and causing catastrophic flooding.
Also, prolonged droughts affect its arid regions, compounding food insecurity and reliance on climate-sensitive agriculture.
Myanmar's vulnerability stems from cyclones like Nargis in 2008, which killed 138,000 people, and monsoon flooding that displaces thousands annually.
Landslides and rising sea levels threaten agricultural livelihoods, intensifying the impacts of climate change.
Mexico is prone to earthquakes, such as the 2017 Puebla quake, and powerful hurricanes like Wilma (2005), which caused widespread damage.
Volcanic activity from Popocatépetl, as well as flooding, poses risks. Urban centers, particularly in seismic zones, are vulnerable to infrastructure damage.
Colombia is vulnerable to earthquakes, landslides, and flooding, particularly in mountainous and rural areas.
Volcanic eruptions, such as Nevado del Ruiz in 1985, caused significant loss of life. Deforestation and unregulated development worsen disaster impacts on communities.
India is regularly affected by annual monsoons, causing flooding and landslides, along with destructive cyclones. The country also experiences extreme heatwaves, which intensify water scarcity and health risks.
Flooding in the Ganges and Brahmaputra basins, along with Himalayan landslides, affects millions. Urbanization and poor infrastructure further heighten vulnerability to natural disasters.
Indonesia is prone to frequent earthquakes and tsunamis, such as the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Its 130 active volcanoes, including Mount Merapi, pose significant risks. Deforestation exacerbates flooding, while climate change impacts low-lying coastal regions.
The World Risk Report ranks the Philippines as the most disaster-prone country. Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, it faces frequent typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 underscored the devastating effects of climate change, displacing millions and wreaking havoc on its vulnerable coastal regions.
Sources: (World Risk Report 2024) (Deutsche Welle)
See also: Early warning signs of earthquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters
The countries most vulnerable to natural disasters
From earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to drought, frequent typhoons, and floods
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Natural disasters are escalating globally, driven by climate change and environmental factors. From earthquakes and tsunamis to hurricanes and floods, nations face increasing vulnerabilities. The 2024 World Risk Report, developed by Ruhr University Bochum and Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft, an alliance of nine German development organizations, evaluates the disaster risks of 193 countries using the World Risk Index. This technical report provides an in-depth look at the most disaster-prone nations.
Click on to discover the top 15 countries most vulnerable to natural disasters.