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The Philippines ranks 11th globally in disaster susceptibility according to the 2023 INFORM risk index. The country ranks 113th in the latest Human Development Report, facing challenges in urban infrastructure, disaster preparedness, basic services, healthcare, and shelter. The Philippines faces significant challenges due to its geographical location and tectonic conditions. Around 60 per cent of the total land area is exposed to multiple hazards, putting 74 per cent of the population at risk. The country, with more than 115 million people, expects its population to exceed 153 million by 2030. About 85.2 per cent of production sources are at risk from disasters.
Hydro-meteorological events such as storm surges, drought and floods account for more than 80 per cent of the natural hazards leading to disasters in the last 50 years. Despite the high risk, the country’s infrastructure is expanding, with planned relocations posing potential new risks and vulnerabilities. The Philippines is strongly affected by climate change. Climate change has a negative impact on the country’s rich natural and marine resources, health infrastructure, water, and poverty. Widespread migration and displacement, both internal and international, also contribute to the country’s challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic further strained Filipinos living overseas, exposing them to unprecedented challenges. Internal displacement is driven by disasters, conflicts and violence, particularly in the southern region of Mindanao.
In 2023, the Philippines continued to grapple with the devastating effects of Typhoon Rai, which struck the country in 2021. In June 2023, the alert status of Mayon Volcano was raised to Alert Level 2, indicating increased chances of lava flows and health hazards due to ashfall and volcanic gas emissions to nearby communities. Additionally, in July 2023 a Super Typhoon Doksuri directly impacted 675,357 families.