Mind the risk: a global ranking of cities under threat from natural disasters

This publication seeks to address the knowledge gap in the risk exposure faced by the world’s metropolitan areas by providing a comprehensive analysis of natural disaster risk in locations around the world. Based on Swiss Re’s risk modelling expertise and the latest hazard information from Swiss Re CatNet® tool, it focuses on the most severe natural disasters confronting 616 of the world’s largest urban areas and assesses the potential impact they have on local residents and the wider economy. It is intended to give fresh impetus to the global debate about strengthening the resilience of cities and to encourage governments, citizens and the insurance industry to take collective action to mitigate the risks faced by urban communities around the world.

The study shows that flood risk threatens more people than any other natural catastrophe, since most major cities developed along the sea or waterways. Across the 616 cities assessed, river flooding poses a threat to over 379 million residents. Over 283 million inhabitants could potentially be affected by earthquakes, and 157 million people are at risk from strong winds. In many cases, urban populations must be prepared to cope with more than one hazard.