The Global Risk Index for 2022 revealed the countries most susceptible to the risks of natural disasters and climate change. The Philippines ranked first globally, while Somalia ranked first among Arab countries. The report, published by the "Development Aid" alliance, which combines several German relief organizations, ranks 193 countries based on their exposure to disasters or hazardous natural events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, and droughts.
The report indicated that 9 of the 15 countries with the highest disaster risks are among the 15 most populous countries in the world. The Americas are the most disaster-prone continent, followed by Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Europe ranks lowest in terms of risks in the global comparison.
According to the results for 2022, the countries with the highest overall disaster risks are the Philippines, India, and Indonesia, followed by:
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Myanmar
- Mozambique
- China
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Vietnam
- Peru
- Somalia
As for Arab countries, the top three are Somalia, Yemen, and Egypt, followed by:
- Libya
- Syria
- Djibouti
- Morocco
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Saudi Arabia
- Algeria
- Mauritania
- Iraq
- Oman
- the UAE
- Lebanon
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- Bahrain
The index focuses on measuring the level of disaster risks from natural events and the negative consequences of climate change, with calculations for each country based on the average exposure and vulnerability. The level of exposure represents the likelihood of populations facing earthquakes, tsunamis, coastal and river floods, hurricanes, droughts, and rising sea levels. In contrast, the level of vulnerability reflects the social domain, including structural characteristics and conditions within society that increase the overall likelihood of populations suffering damage from natural events. It also takes into account the various capacities and measures communities adopt to mitigate the negative impacts of natural hazards and climate change in the short and long term.
