In the 2023 report of the World Risk Index, which measures a country’s exposure and vulnerability to natural hazards, the Philippines ranked first on the list of global disaster risks.  Being situated in the  Typhoon Belt and Philippines, experiences an average of 20 typhoons a year with ten (10) of these making landfall, and an average of five (5) typhoons are usually destructive according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).  

Southwest monsoon affects the country from late June to around the last week of November. Flash floods and landslides are regular incidents during this season. For this year, PAGASA reports that the El Niño phenomenon is present in the tropical Pacific and will persist until the first quarter of 2024, showing signs of strengthening in the coming months. While El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts (such as dry spells and droughts) in some areas of the country. Over the western part of the country, (Regions 5, 8 and Caraga) will experience above-normal rainfall conditions during the Southwest monsoon season (Habagat). Increasing the chances of an extreme weather event that can cause catastrophic impact to communities at risk.

The country also lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire and in-between two major tectonic plates namely the Eurasian Plate (in the West) and Pacific Plate (in the East) that causes earthquakes due to the movement of these tectonic plates. There are approximately 200 volcanoes recorded in the Philippines of which 22 are considered active, and five (5) are considered dangerous and eruption may happen anytime. 

At least 60% of the Philippine’s total land area is exposed to multiple hazards, and 74% of the population is susceptible to their impact. Large number of communities have settled in either coastal or mountain side areas that is susceptible to tidal surge, tsunamis as well as landslide and soil erosion.   In other instances, communities are located on top of the fault line or within range of pyroclastic flow and ash fall.  In certain parts of Visayas and Mindanao, communities are not only exposed to hydro and metrological hazards but also are threatened by unstable security and peace and order situation. Moreover, 18% of the population (20.34 million individuals) live below the poverty line making them further vulnerable to these hazards.

Considering these multiple hazards and vulnerabilities, at-risk affected population would need various sheltering interventions such as:

For displaced populations:

• temporary sheltering options
• NFI kits
• access to long-term solutions to address displacement

 For non-displace populations:

• NFI kits,
• technical and materials assistance to address adequate shelter