Vanuatu has been identified as the country with the highest disaster risk in the world and Tonga is in second place.
The World Risk Index for 2018 ranked 172 countries.
Jessica plays in the sand at Port Narvin on Erromango Island in Vanuatu. During Cyclone Pam the whole area where she is sitting was underwater as both tidal surges and the ferocious winds tore her village apart. The school water tank was full of sea water because some waves had washed right up and over the roof of the school. Amazingly many in the village survived inside the school the whole night with the wind and the waves washing around them. 25 March 2015 Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins
Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Timor-Leste and Kiribati are among nine island states in the top 15 nations at risk of natural disaster.
The report by German researchers said these countries are extremely vulnerable to cyclones, earthquakes, flooding and sea level rise.
It said disasters can have a massive and long lasting impact on children and their development, and recommends children be actively involved in disaster education and preparedness.
The destruction left in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Gita in Tonga. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
The report also said child protection policies should be included in all plans to tackle extreme natural events.