Philippines tops global disaster-risk ranking

MANILA, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has again ranked as the country with the highest disaster risk in the world, topping the 2026 World Risk Index with a score of 46.69, according to local media reports on Thursday.

This photo shows a flooded area after typhoon Fung-wong hit Catanduanes Province, the Philippines on Nov. 9, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

The index published by German institutes covered all 193 United Nations member states. India ranked second with a score of 44.97, followed by Indonesia at 44.63.

The World Risk Index assesses disaster risk based on two broad factors: a country's exposure to natural hazards and its societal vulnerability, including its capacity to cope with and adapt to disasters.

The Philippines has consistently ranked among the countries most exposed to disasters because of its geographic location.

Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Its location in the western Pacific exposes it to frequent tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides.

The Philippines also ranked first in the 2025 edition, when it posted a score of 46.56.