Natural disasters are any type of severe weather that can threaten safety. Examples of natural disasters are hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, cyclones, wildfires, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
Natural disasters kill about 45,000 people annually worldwide and have been responsible for about 0.1 percent of the world's deaths.
Based on 2023 data, the country most prone to natural disasters is the Philippines. The Philippines is prone to natural disasters because it is located on the Circum-Pacific belt, also called the Pacific Ring of Fire, because the majority of the planet's earthquakes and volcanoes take place along the ring. The movement of tectonic plates causes earthquakes.
Indonesia, which is also located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is the second-most natural disaster-prone country. Indonesia is located on three tectonic plates, which also increases its susceptibility to earthquakes. Indonesia is also highly prone to tsunamis, which are giant waves caused by earthquakes.
India is the third most disaster-prone country in the world. Twenty-seven of its 29 states are regularly exposed to cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, and landslides. The country's topographic features are one reason for the prevalence of natural disasters. The Himalayas are prone to earthquakes and landslides, and the country's plains are prone to flooding. Tectonic movements in the ocean also make the country prone to tsunamis. Climate change has increased the number of natural disasters in India recently.
Mexico is the fourth most disaster-prone country in the world. Its Pacific Coast is also in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making the country prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Volcanic eruptions and landslides also are prevalent. The primary disasters also cause secondary disasters such as flooding.
Colombia rounds out the list of the top five disaster-prone countries. The Andes are in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means earthquakes occur regularly. Hurricanes can affect the Caribbean coast. Population growth in cities, densely populated coastal areas, and climate change are creating conditions for more landslides and flooding.
