Most of Bahrain could disappear under water within 100 years, unless the world tackles climate change and its potentially disastrous impact, UN resident co-ordinator and UNDP resident representative Sayed Aqa has warned.

The country is the fifth most exposed in the world to rising sea levels, threatening 75 per cent of its urban population, he said.

'Some countries are at risk because of climate change and rising sea level,' he told a Press conference at the Foreign Ministry on the launch of the UN Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction.

'Sea level rise will not happen overnight but we have no time to lose to be prepared and to undertake action to reduce its disastrous impact on people and communities.

Hazard

'This hazard may hit some countries over the coming 100 years.

'Bahrain is rated as the fifth most exposed country to this hazard type in the world in relative terms.'

He said it was important to undertake preventive measures, such as controlling carbon emissions and the use of environmental- friendly products.

Egypt is the ninth most exposed to rising sea levels with an urban population of more than 10 million, says the UN.

Climate change poses a real threat to the region, he said.

Earthquakes and droughts are the other major hazards that can threaten the stability of the region, he added.

'The report will provide review, analysis and suggested action for governments serious about reducing risk increasing sharply against a backdrop of uncertainty and indecision.'-TradeArabia News Service