9 Countries Facing the Highest Risk from a Potential Asteroid Strike in 2032

Colombia

Colombia’s location near the equator places it within the projected risk corridor for the asteroid.

If an impact were to occur in the Andean region, the consequences could be particularly severe, affecting millions of people and causing widespread destruction in major cities like Bogotá and Medellín. A coastal strike could trigger tsunamis that might devastate Colombia and neighboring nations along the Caribbean coast.

Ecuador

Another South American nation in the crosshairs is Ecuador. As home to the Galápagos Islands and diverse ecosystems, an asteroid impact could cause catastrophic environmental damage. The economic and human toll would be immense if the asteroid were to strike near Quito or Guayaquil. Given the country’s mountainous terrain, the impact of secondary hazards such as landslides and volcanic disturbances could worsen.

Venezuela

Venezuela’s northern coastline falls within the predicted impact zone, making it another high-risk country. The capital city, Caracas, is densely populated, and an asteroid impact in the region could result in catastrophic loss of life. Additionally, Venezuela’s struggling infrastructure and economic difficulties could make recovery efforts even more challenging.

Nigeria

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is also at risk.

If the asteroid were to hit the densely populated regions around Lagos or Abuja, the devastation could be unimaginable. The country’s bustling economy and vital trade networks could be severely affected, leading to long-term consequences for the continent.

Ethiopia

Located in East Africa, Ethiopia is another nation in the potential impact corridor.

A strike here could have devastating effects, especially in the capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopia’s vast highlands and plateaus could experience massive seismic shocks, potentially triggering secondary disasters such as landslides and earthquakes.

India

As one of the most populous nations on the planet, India faces significant risks if the asteroid follows its projected course.

An impact in a major city like Delhi or Mumbai could lead to millions of casualties. Furthermore, a coastal strike in the Bay of Bengal could result in a deadly tsunami, threatening not just India but neighboring Bangladesh and Myanmar as well.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s eastern regions, particularly near Lahore and Islamabad, are identified as part of the risk zone.

The country’s infrastructure and densely populated cities make it highly vulnerable to a catastrophic impact. Additionally, an asteroid strike could exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions in the region, leading to unforeseen economic and security consequences.

Bangladesh

Despite its small geographic size, Bangladesh’s extremely high population density makes it particularly vulnerable to an asteroid impact.

A strike in the Ganges Delta or coastal regions could trigger devastating floods and tsunamis, wiping out entire communities. Given the country’s history of severe natural disasters, an asteroid impact would be an unprecedented challenge.

Indonesia

Indonesia, an archipelago straddling the equator, is also in the asteroid’s projected path.

With many of its islands densely populated, an impact here could cause widespread destruction. A sea strike in the Pacific Ocean or near Sumatra could generate tsunamis, affecting Indonesia and neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.