Vanuatu is considered to be one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to natural hazards. Comprised of over 80 islands, the country is located on the earthquake-prone “ring of fire” and sits at the center of the Pacific cyclone belt. These hazards result in a high frequency of volcanic eruptions, cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, storm surges, coastal flooding, and landslides. In addition, the country is already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Sea level rise and the increased intensity of extreme events have led to changes in agricultural productivity and water availability.
Vanuatu is estimated to incur an average of $48 million per year in losses due to earthquakes and tropical cyclones, a figure that is equivalent to 6.6 percent of its GDP. In March 2015, Tropical Cyclone Pam struck Vanuatu and caused damage, loss, and needs estimating $450 million, approximately 64 percent of the country’s GDP. (Source: GFDRR)
As per Germanwatch, GLOBAL CLIMATE RISK INDEX 2020, Vanuatu ranks 75th in climate risk index for the period of 1989-2018.