Phl ranks 3rd on US disaster risk index

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines ranked third among 173 countries in terms of vulnerability to disaster risks and natural hazards, a study showed.

The World Risk Index 2011 of the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security noted that the Philippines is “heavily affected by extreme natural events” due to its exposed position in the Pacific Ocean.

“Storms and heavy rains hit degraded ecosystems, destroyed coral reefs and mangrove forests, depleted soils and deforested areas. Thus, there are few natural bulwarks against the threat of disasters. People also feel the effects of climate change,” the report read.

The Philippines is only lower in rank than Vanuatu, the country with the highest risk, and Tonga, which ranked second.

The Philippines is more vulnerable to disasters than its Southeast Asian neighbors Timor Leste (7th), Cambodia (9th), Brunei (14th), Indonesia (28th), Vietnam (34th), Myanmar (57th), Thailand (85th), Malaysia (91st), Laos (104th) and Singapore (153rd).

Among the countries that are near the Philippines’ ranking are Solomon Islands (4th), Guatemala (5th) and Bangladesh (6th).

The five countries that are least prone to risks were Qatar (173rd), Malta (172nd), Saudi Arabia (171st), Iceland (170th), and Bahrain (169th).

Sought for comment, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Benito Ramos acknowledged that the Philippines is prone to natural disasters.

He said efforts are being undertaken to mitigate the impact of calamities and to enhance the government’s preparedness.

“We have to adapt to climate change. We are continuously conducting information campaigns and lectures to promote awareness,” Ramos told The STAR.

He said state agencies are coordinating with one another to minimize the effects of natural disasters.

“We are more prepared now to cope with natural disasters. We have learned our lessons. Our people are now cooperating with our personnel,” he said.

Ramos said their preparedness measures and the participation of various sectors would make up for the lack of equipment.

“Our people should be vigilant and informed,” he said.

The World Risk Index defined “risk” as the interaction between a natural hazard event and the vulnerability of the exposed element or society. – With Jose Rodel Clapano