German researchers have labelled Vanuatu as the country with the highest risk of natural disaster in the world.
Tonga came in at second place.
The World Risk Index ranked 172 countries, and seven Pacific states are in the top 15, including Solomon Islnads, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Kiribati.
The countries are extremely vulnerable to cyclones, earthquake, volcanic eruptions, flooding and sea-level rise.
Unicef's Pacific Representative Sheldon Yett told Jenny Meyer the findings particularly highlight the vulnerability of children in the region.
Photo: Fijimetservice
