Top 10 tourist destinations most at risk from natural disasters

A journalist research company Journo Report along with Intersec has conducted a study to rank the tourist destinations at risk of natural disasters based on key factors: earthquake frequency per year, the average population affected by floods, volcanic activity, and air quality index.

To compile the ranking, data was gathered from credible sources for each country, and the indicators were normalized on a consistent scale before assigning equal weights to each factor. This process enabled the calculation of a composite risk index score for every country, ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater danger.

Japan secures the top spot with a composite score of 87. The country experiences an average of 1,500 earthquakes per year, making it one of the most seismically active nations on the list. With a population exceeding 123 million, and significant volcanic activity with an index score of 122, Japan takes the top spot on the list.

Indonesia ranks second with a score of 76.5. Indonesia experiences around 1,000 earthquakes annually, and flooding affects an average of 635,470 people each year. Coupled with its volcanic activity of 120, travelers should be cautious, especially when exploring remote islands and volcanic regions.

Chile lands in third place with a composite score of 68.5. It records over 1,024 earthquakes each year and has an active volcanic landscape with 91 volcanoes. With a relatively smaller population of around 19.7 million, the country’s high seismic activity and flood risks make it a challenging destination for tourists. 

Mexico ranks fourth with a score of 62. The country experiences an average of 1,632 earthquakes annually, the highest frequency among the top 10. Floods affect approximately 171,086 residents each year, and with a moderate volcanic activity score of 38, travelers should stay informed about weather and seismic alerts.

Ranking fifth with a score of 60, the country reports 215 earthquakes annually and has a significant volcanic activity of 117 volcanoes. Additionally, 90,475 people are affected by floods each year. These indicators have secured Russia its place in the top 5. 

India takes sixth place with a score of 59. Although it experiences fewer earthquakes (276 annually), the flood impact is severe, affecting over 4.8 million people yearly – the highest among all countries in our top 10. The air quality index is a major concern, with an average value of 188, making India a challenging destination for those sensitive to pollution.

China ranks seventh with a score of 55. The country’s vast population of around 1.42 billion faces frequent natural disasters, including 426 earthquakes per year and floods that impact approximately 3.28 million people. With a moderate volcanic activity score of 10 and an air quality index of 160, travelers should stay updated on environmental alerts when exploring China's diverse regions.

The Philippines placed eighth with a score of 53. With 797 earthquakes annually and floods affecting 175,575 people, this nation is a hotspot for seismic activity and typhoons. The volcanic activity of 38 adds another layer of risk for visitors to consider, making it essential to monitor local weather updates.

Greece ranks ninth with a score of 52 due to its vulnerability to earthquakes and floods. Experiencing around 313 earthquakes annually and flood risks that impact over 2,300 people, travelers should be cautious, especially when exploring mountainous or coastal regions.

Peru rounds out the top 10 with a score of 51.5. Peru records 516 earthquakes per year and faces flooding that affects around 51,918 people. Although volcanic activity is less frequent, Peru still is in the top 10 with its seismic activity and flooding risks. 

For the full data and research please visit this link.