World Risk Index reveals: 'Disaster risk in Turkey is very high'

According to the World Risk Report Index, the Philippines ranks first among countries with the highest disaster risk.

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, droughts, and frequent hurricanes and floods have become a part of daily life in the Philippines.

Most recently, super typhoon Yagi caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, with at least 14 people drowning in mud and soil. Yagi was the fifth typhoon to hit the Philippines since May.

However, the frequency and high intensity of natural events are not the only reasons why the Philippines is the country with the highest disaster risk.

'DISASTER RISK IS INCREASING'

Katrin Radtke, Scientific Director of the Development Assistance Alliance (Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft), which prepares the World Risk Report, points out that vulnerability and weaknesses in societies exposed to natural events also increase disaster risk.

Speaking to DW, Radtke listed the factors that create vulnerability and weakness as poverty, widespread corruption, and the inadequacy of healthcare services and disaster prevention measures.

According to the index, which examines 193 countries regarding natural disasters, the top 41 countries on the list are those with "very high risk."

TURKEY IS IN THE 'VERY HIGH RISK' CATEGORY

The Philippines, which ranks first, is followed by Indonesia, India, Colombia, and Mexico. Turkey, which ranks 35th, is also in the "very high risk" category. It is stated that the most influential factor in this is the inadequacy of the capacity to cope with disasters.

Meanwhile, according to the index, eight of the ten "most vulnerable" countries are in Africa. It is noted that Afghanistan and Yemen, which have been struggling with wars for decades, are also among the "most vulnerable" societies. It is pointed out that there are few doctors and insufficient hospitals in these countries, and therefore, many people lose their lives as a result of natural events.

Not every natural event has to turn into a major natural disaster. Investing in preventive measures can prevent deaths and reduce damage. For example, in more developed and wealthy countries like the USA or Australia, the probability of storms, droughts, and earthquakes is very high, but vulnerability is lower; the capacity to cope with natural events is also higher.

Katrin Radtke mentioned that there are countries that learn from crises and disasters, pointing to China, and said, "Disaster risk can be reduced."

CHINA DROPPED 12 PLACES

Although China is still in the "very high risk" category in this year's index, it has recorded an improvement of 12 places compared to last year, settling into 22nd place.

"This was largely due to China significantly reducing its vulnerability after the coronavirus pandemic," said Radtke, pointing out that the Beijing administration has built new hospitals, conducted large vaccination campaigns, and made major investments in the healthcare system. However, the German expert added, "But what we cannot reflect in the World Risk Index is that this was also done at the expense of the public's civil liberties."

So, what should countries do to reduce risks and vulnerability regarding natural disasters? Can risks be reduced with dams and early warning systems, and more effective search and rescue services?

'INVESTING IN EDUCATION AND HEALTH CAN PREVENT DISASTERS'

Radtke emphasizes that traditional disaster prevention measures alone will not be sufficient; she conveys that investing in education and health or reducing social inequalities is of great importance.

Underlining that a country that prevents corruption becomes better equipped to deal with the consequences of disasters, Radtke also points out that some natural events are directly related to climate change, saying, "If humanity succeeds in minimizing global warming, then there will be fewer natural disasters."