Malta one of least ‘disaster prone’ countries in the world - report

A study published this week places Malta among the least three - out of a total 173 countries - who are the least prone to disasters.

According by the 2012 World Risk Report, the Pacific Island state of Vanuatu has the highest disaster risk at 36.31 percent, while Malta and Qatar with a minimal risk factor  0.61 percent and 0.10 percent respectively.

At 3.48 percent, Belgium ranks 142nd and is therefore in the lowest of the five risk categories. Additionally, the 2012 report highlights the aspect of environmental degradation and disasters.

The risk calculated by the index is determined by the extent to which communities are exposed to natural hazards such as droughts, storms or earthquakes, but also by their degree of vulnerability.

The latter is dependent on social factors such as the public infrastructure, medical services, the prevailing nutritional situation, governance, the level of education, the availability of insurances that might help to deal with economic losses in an event, as well as the condition of the environment.

"The World Risk Index reveals global hotspots for disaster risk in Oceania, Southeast Asia, the southern Sahel, and especially in Central America and the Caribbean. In these places, a very high threat of natural disasters and climate change meets very vulnerable communities," said Prof Dr Jakob Rhyner, UNU-EHS Director.

Highest risk

Vanuatu, Tonga, Philippines and Guatemala are the four top risky countries followed by Bangladesh towards disaster.
The balance sheet for the 10 years from 2002 to 2011 is alarming with 4,130 disasters, over one million dead and economic losses of at least US$1.195 trillion.

The report is presented by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNUEHS), the Alliance Development Works/Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

The centerpiece of the report, the World Risk Index, developed by UNU-EHS in Bonn in cooperation with the Alliance determines the risk of becoming the Alliance, victim of a disaster as a result of natural hazards for 173 countries throughout the world.

Deforestation and insufficient land management are increasing the risks with regard to landslides and flooding.

The report highlights that there are some 200 million people at risk globally who may receive risk reduction benefits from coral reefs alone.