Philippines: 230 natural disasters over two decades

The Philippines is the most vulnerable country among the five Southeast Asian countries including Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia and Vietnam.

According to the Philippine Institute for Development Research (PIDS), the Philippines has suffered 228 natural and weather-related disasters.

An average of 15-20 storms occur each year in this country causing floods, landslides and other related disasters.

Some storms originating from the Philippines also go west to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Even a few hurricanes also reach neighboring countries like Japan and China.

PIDS environmental researcher Danilo Israel said that from 2000-2009, 320 natural disasters occurred in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines and Vietnam, affecting 84.3 million people.

Israel believes climate-related disasters are inevitable, so each country must invest in the national hydrometeorology industry (NMHS) to provide major weather and climate forecast data. accurate, timely and information for areas such as transportation, energy, construction, agriculture.

Israel proposed that the above five countries cooperate in strengthening the ability to forecast natural disasters and natural hazards by sharing data and information, and to develop a common training program and develop between NMHS employees.

In addition, to improve cooperation and coordination, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Cambodia should conduct exchange of inter-country visits by meteorological officials, as well as conduct joint research and development activities, especially trans-boundary climate related issues.