The countries most exposed to tropical cyclones across the globe are located in Asia and the Caribbean. According to a risk index which considers the number of people exposed to this type of event per year, the Dominican Republic ranked first with a score of ** as of 2025, followed by Japan and the Philippines, both of which received a score of ***. Hurricane, typhoon or cyclone? Tropical cyclone is a general term used to describe powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters near the equator, characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and low pressure at its center. The names used to identify them depend on the region where they originate. For instance, hurricanes are tropical cyclones that occur in the North Atlantic Ocean and the central-eastern North Pacific Ocean, and they commonly affect regions such as the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the southeastern United States. Meanwhile, typhoons occur in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and hit countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Lastly, simply cyclones describe tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. Why is Japan on top of the list? Japan has the perfect cocktail for tropical cyclones. It is located in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, where warm waters can fuel the development and intensity of these powerful storms. The country’s mountainous terrain can cause rapid changes in wind speed and direction, while its atmospheric conditions – such as the East Asian monsoon – also contribute to the formation and movement of tropical cyclones. This is topped by Japan’s island geography, characterized by a large coastline that increases the likelihood of typhoon landfalls in the country. Altogether, in order to mitigate the risks associated with tropical cyclones, Japan invests heavily in disaster prevention, including resilient infrastructure and early warning systems.

In 2024, there were ** hurricanes registered worldwide, up from ** hurricanes a year earlier. This was nevertheless below the average of ** hurricanes per year registered from 1990 to 2022. The years of 1992 and 2018 tied as the most active in the indicated period, each with ** hurricanes recorded. The Pacific Northwest basin recorded the largest number of hurricanes in 2024. Most exposed countries to hurricanes With the Pacific Northwest basin being one of the most active for hurricanes in the world, there is perhaps no surprise that Japan and the Philippines were two of the countries most exposed to tropical cyclones in 2024, both West Pacific nations. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic was the most exposed country in the Atlantic Ocean and ranked first as the most exposed country worldwide during the same year. Effects of tropical cyclones From 1970 to 2019, almost ******* deaths due to tropical cyclones have been reported worldwide. In the past decade, the number of such casualties stood at some ******, the lowest decadal figure in the last half-century. In contrast to the lower number of deaths, economic losses caused by tropical cyclones have continuously grown since 1970, reaching a record high of more than *** billion U.S. dollars from 2010 to 2019.

Nearly ** percent of all hurricanes that made landfall in the United States between 1851 and 2022 hit Florida. The state was hit by *** hurricanes in the period, of which ** were major hurricanes (category * or higher). Texas and Louisiana were the second and third most hit states in the country, with ** and ** hurricanes, respectively.

According to their physical exposure to tropical cyclones, the Dominican Republic and Haiti were the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean which faced the highest hazard to this type of storms in 2025. The risk index is calculated based on the estimated number of people exposed to tropical cyclones per year. Saint Kitts and Nevis also stood high in the ranking, with a hazard and exposure index of *** points.

In 2024, the United States experienced 29 natural disasters, which made it the most natural catastrophe-prone country in the world that year. Indonesia and China came second on that list, with 20 and 18 natural disasters occurring in the same year, respectively. Storms were the most common type of natural disaster in 2024. Types of natural disasters There are many different types of natural disasters that occur worldwide, including earthquakes, droughts, storms, floods, volcanic activity, extreme temperatures, landslides, and wildfires. Overall, there were 398 natural disasters registered all over the world in 2023. Costs of natural disasters Due to their destructive nature, natural disasters take a severe toll on populations and countries. Tropical cyclones have the biggest economic impact in the countries that they occur. In 2024, tropical cyclones caused damage estimated at more than 145 billion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, the number of deaths due to natural disasters neared 18,100 that year. The Heat Wave in Saudi Arabia had the highest death toll, with 1,301 fatalities. Scientists predict that some natural disasters such as storms, floods, landslides, and wildfires will be more frequent and more intense in the future, creating both human and financial losses.

Natural Disasters Deaths

People killed in natural disasters by country by year

About this dataset

How much do natural disasters cost us? In lives, in dollars, in infrastructure? This dataset attempts to answer those questions, tracking the death toll and damage cost of major natural disasters since 1985. Disasters included are storms ( hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones ), floods, earthquakes, droughts, wildfires, and extreme temperatures

How to use the dataset

This dataset contains information on natural disasters that have occurred around the world from 1900 to 2017. The data includes the date of the disaster, the location, the type of disaster, the number of people killed, and the estimated cost in US dollars

Research Ideas

• An all-in-one disaster map displaying all recorded natural disasters dating back to 1900.
• Natural disaster hotspots - where do natural disasters most commonly occur and kill the most people?
• A live map tracking current natural disasters around the world

Acknowledgements

License

See the dataset description for more information.

Between 1851 and 2023, there were *** hurricane direct hits in the United States, of which ** percent were category * hurricanes. In the same period, ** major hurricanes (with a category * or higher) made landfall in the country. Hurricane Michael, in 2018, was the latest category * hurricane to hit the North American country. Florida was the state most commonly hit by hurricanes.

In 2023, there were ** named storms registered worldwide, down from ** storms in the previous year. Overall, there was an average of ** named tropical cyclones registered per year from 1980 to 2023. Japan was the country most exposed to this type of event worldwide. What is a tropical cyclone? Tropical cyclones are intense rotating storms that form over warm tropical waters, characterized by heavy rain and strong winds. Once a cyclone sustains wind speeds exceeding ** kilometers per hour, they are considered a tropical storm and receive a name. Named tropical storms can also receive further classification depending on their intensity and location (also known as basin). High-speed cyclones in the Northern Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins are called hurricanes, while in the Western Pacific they are called typhoons. When the event takes place within the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, it is known as a cyclone. Frequency of tropical cyclones worldwide The Northwest Pacific basin is one of the most active for tropical cyclones worldwide. In 2023, there were ** named storms reported in the region, of which more than half were classified as hurricanes. Meanwhile, the North Indian Ocean represented one of the least active basins for tropical cyclones, with an annual average of * named storms recorded from 1990 to 2023.

Hurricane Storm Panel Market Outlook

The global hurricane storm panel market size was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 2.3 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, coupled with growing awareness about the importance of protecting infrastructure from storm-related damage. As climate change continues to exacerbate weather patterns, the demand for effective storm protection solutions is expected to rise significantly.

One of the key growth factors for the hurricane storm panel market is the increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes and tropical storms. Climate change has led to more volatile weather patterns, making coastal and hurricane-prone areas more susceptible to severe weather events. This has heightened the awareness and urgency among homeowners, businesses, and governments to invest in robust protective measures like storm panels. Additionally, the economic impact of hurricanes, including property damage and business interruptions, has further underscored the need for reliable storm protection solutions to safeguard assets and minimize financial losses.

Another major growth driver is the advancement in materials and technology used in manufacturing hurricane storm panels. Innovations in materials such as polycarbonate and fabric have led to the development of lighter, more durable, and easier-to-install panels. These advancements have made storm panels more accessible and attractive to a broader range of consumers, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Furthermore, the advent of smart installation systems and improved design aesthetics has also contributed to the growing popularity of hurricane storm panels, aligning them with modern architectural trends and consumer preferences.

Government regulations and building codes mandating the use of storm protection measures in hurricane-prone areas have also significantly contributed to market growth. Many regions have implemented strict guidelines requiring the installation of hurricane-resistant materials in new constructions and renovations. These regulations have driven the adoption of hurricane storm panels, ensuring that structures are better equipped to withstand severe weather conditions. Additionally, government incentives and subsidies for storm protection measures have further encouraged property owners to invest in hurricane storm panels, thereby boosting market demand.

From a regional perspective, North America holds the largest share of the hurricane storm panel market, driven by the high frequency of hurricanes in the US, particularly in states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. The region's well-developed infrastructure and higher disposable income levels also contribute to the widespread adoption of storm protection solutions. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth rate, attributed to the increasing vulnerability of countries like Japan, China, and the Philippines to typhoons and tropical storms. Enhanced economic growth and rapid urbanization in these countries have led to increased investments in infrastructure protection, further propelling market growth.

Material Type Analysis

The material type segment of the hurricane storm panel market includes aluminum, steel, polycarbonate, fabric, and others. Aluminum storm panels are among the most popular choices due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation. These panels are lightweight yet durable, making them an ideal choice for both residential and commercial applications. Aluminum panels can be quickly installed and removed, offering a practical solution for temporary storm protection. Additionally, their long lifespan and low maintenance requirements further enhance their appeal to consumers looking for reliable and cost-effective storm protection solutions.

Steel storm panels, on the other hand, offer superior strength and durability, making them suitable for areas with high exposure to severe weather conditions. These panels are often used in industrial applications where maximum protection is required. The robustness of steel panels ensures that they can withstand strong winds and flying debris, providing a high level of security for properties. However, the heavier weight of steel compared to other materials may pose installation challenges, requiring professional expertise and additional structural support. Despite these challenges, the unpara

The Labor Day hurricane, which hit Florida and Georgia in September 1935, was the most intense to make landfall in the United States, based on central pressure, at 892 millibar. Five out of the 20 most intense hurricanes to make landfall in the country were registered since 2017 &#8211 namely Irma and Harvey (2017), Michael (2018), Laura (2020), and most recently, Ida (2021).

The 2021 State of Climate Services Report - GEO’s contributionBlog / October 12, 2021On 5 October 2021, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) published the 2021 State of Climate Services Report with contributions from more than 20 international organizations, including the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). This 2021 edition focuses on water, an indispensable resource at the heart of the global agenda for sustainable development, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation that affects all communities and economic sectors. Since 2019, WMO and its partners have published annual State of Climate Services reports to provide input to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process, thus supporting climate adaptation with science-based information.The report finds that for the 101 WMO Member countries for which data is available:There is insufficient interaction between climate service providers and users of information in 43% of WMO Members;In about 40% of WMO Members, data for basic hydrological variables are not collected;No hydrological data are provided in 67% of WMO Members;End-to-end flood forecasting and warning systems for rivers are lacking or inadequate in 34% of WMO Members that have provided data, with only 44% of Members reaching more than two-thirds of the population at risk with their existing systems;End-to-end drought forecasting and warning systems are lacking or inadequate in 54% of WMO Members that provided data - with only 27% of Members reaching more than two-thirds of the population at risk with their existing systems.Significant additional financial commitments are needed to meet adaptation targets, but there are several constraints that limit what countries can do. These include low capacity to develop and implement projects and difficulties in raising funds within the public financial systems of low-income countries.The report draws lessons from 16 case studies from around the world to improve water resource management and reduce the impact of water-related disasters. In collaboration with the Group on Earth Observations Global Water Sustainability (GEOGloWS) Initiative, AmeriGEO, and ENEE-Honduras, GEO contributed the case study on "Reliable and Actionable Information for Water Management Ahead of Hurricanes Eta and Iota in Honduras."The GEOGloWS Streamflow Forecast Service is a worldwide application of the global runoff forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) that translates runoff into river discharge forecasts for all rivers in the world. The GEOGLoWS-ECMWF Streamflow Forecast Service was used by the state-owned power company of Honduras, Empresa Nacional de Energía Eléctrica (ENEE), to establish a series of low flow releases through the massive hydroelectric dam “El Cajón” between hurricanes Eta and Iota that hit the country in November 2020, following discharge protocols that dictate that the maximum discharge of 1000 m3/sec must not be exceeded. Following the first hurricane Eta, the information from the regional flash flood guidance and short-term forecast models was insufficient to determine a long-term management strategy and estimate the volume of runoff that Iota was bringing thirteen days later. Through collaboration with AmeriGEO, ENEE became aware of the 15-day discharge forecast from the GEOGLoWS ECMWF Streamflow Forecast Service provided directly from the web. Based on that information, prior to the arrival of Iota, a total of 185.95 million m3 was discharged, providing the reservoir with sufficient storage for the runoff that Iota brought from the upper basin. The timely application of the information provided by the GEOGloWS-ECMWF Streamflow Forecast Service enabled national authorities to efficiently manage the reservoir during the storms and helped to prevent potentially huge losses and damages in the Sula Valley, one of the most populated and productive areas in Honduras. This case study demonstrates the importance of climate services and early warning systems in protecting livelihoods by helping communities prepare for and respond to climate related challenges.The 2021 State of the Climate Services report concludes with 6 strategic recommendations, including the need to:Invest in Integrated Resources Water Management as a solution to better manage water stress, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs);Invest in end-to-end early warning systems for droughts and floods in vulnerable LDCs, including drought warnings in Africa and flood warnings in Asia;Close the capacity gap in data collection for basic hydrological variables that underpin climate services and early warning systems;Improve interaction between national levels to co-develop and operationalize climate services in partnership with information users to better support adaptation in the water sector. There is also an urgent need for better monitoring and evaluation of socio-economic benefits, which will help showcase best practices;Fill data gaps on country capacity for climate services in the water sector, especially for SIDS; andJoin the Water and Climate Coalition to promote policy development for integrated water and climate assessments, solutions and services, and benefit from a network of partners developing and implementing tangible, practical projects, programs and systems to improve hydroclimate services for resilience and adaptation.To support these recommendations in the face of increasing water-related threats and stresses, GEO is promoting Earth observation data and tools for improved water management, monitoring, and early warning, and facilitating collaboration between data providers, developing countries, and underrepresented communities.

In the 2024 season, the Northwest Pacific was the ocean basin with the highest number of hurricanes recorded, with ** occurrences registered. The North Atlantic basin came in second, with a total of ** hurricanes recorded that year. In the period from 1990 to 2024, there were an average of ** hurricanes registered worldwide per year.

According to a 2024 study, the Philippines was the country with the highest natural disaster risk in the world. The Pacific archipelago was given a disaster risk index (WRI) of *****, followed by Indonesia, with a disaster risk index of *****. In contrast, Monaco and Andorra had the lowest natural disaster risk worldwide that year, with a WRI of **** and **** respectively. The WRI index is calculated by considering how exposed countries are to natural disasters together with how vulnerable they are to them. Natural disasters’ frequency Since the century began, natural disasters have become more frequent. Every single year since 2013 has recorded more than *** events. In 2023, *** disasters were reported worldwide, a ** percent increase compared to 2000. Considering that climate-related events are more common than geophysical ones (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions), accounting for roughly ** percent of all natural disasters in 2023, the general upward trend can be mostly associated with climate change and its impact on weather patterns and phenomena. The biggest natural disasters The earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011 was the costliest natural disaster around the world since 1980, with losses reaching *** billion U.S. dollars. The Kobe earthquake from 1995 and the Sichuan earthquake from 2000 also rank among the costliest disasters on the past decades. Apart from earthquakes, hurricanes also tend to leave a considerable economic impact where they hit. ***** out of the *** biggest natural catastrophes, based on economic losses, were hurricanes, with Katrina, which hit the coasts of the U.S. in 2005, being the costliest.

In 2023, hurricane Idalia – a hurricane of category * – made landfall in the United States. Just three years earlier, the North American country had seen the record number of hurricanes to hit the nation in one year. Despite the lower number of hurricanes, 2021 tied with 2002 for the highest number of tropical storms to hit the U.S. in one year, with *** occurrences. Tropical storms are cyclones with a wind speed surpassing ** miles per hour but below the hurricane threshold of ** miles per hour.

According to a survey conducted in Southeast Asia in July and August 2024, floods were the most commonly perceived extreme weather event linked to climate change among respondents in the majority of Southeast Asian countries. Nearly ************** of respondents in the Philippines identified floods and tropical storms as the most serious climate change impacts in their country, while over ** percent of respondents in Singapore cited heatwaves as one of the leading climate change impacts in their country.

Since 1851 until the end of the hurricane season in 2021, *** hurricanes had hit the Dominican Republic, either directly or indirectly. August and September are the months with the highest hurricane activity in the Caribbean country, each with more than ** hurricanes recorded during this period. The hurricane season in the Atlantic goes from June 1 through November 30, but it can get extended to May and December in rare occasions, with only five cyclones hitting the Dominican Republic on those months in 170 years.

In 2024, Monaco and Andorra were the two safest country in the world according to the World Risk Index. San Marino followed behind. The Global Risk Index assesses the risk for disaster of 193 countries.

Most dangerous countries On the other end of the scale, the Philippines was ranked as the country with the highest risk rate with a score of 46.91. Indonesia and India followed behind. A high number of the countries with the highest risk rates were located in Asia. The World Risk Index - Assessing the risk of disaster In the framework of the World Risk Index, disaster risk is analyzed as a complex interplay of natural hazards and social, political and environmental factors. Unlike current approaches that focus strongly on the analysis of the various natural hazards, the World Risk Index, in addition to exposure analysis, focuses on the vulnerability of the population, i.e. its susceptibility, its capacities to cope with and to adapt to future natural events as well as the consequences of climate change. Disaster risk is seen as a function of exposure and vulnerability. The national states are the frame of reference for the analysis. The index consists of indicators in four components: exposure to natural hazards such as earthquakes, storms, floods, droughts and sea level rise; susceptibility as a function of public infrastructure, nutrition and the general economic framework; coping capacities as a function of governance, medical services and economic security; and adaptive capacities to future natural events and climate change.

Since 2000, hurricanes were the natural disasters with the highest estimated economic losses in the Caribbean. Hurricane Ian, which affected several islands in the Caribbean (especially Cuba) and the southeast of the United States (specially Florida and the Carolinas) in September of 2022, caused overall losses for approximately 100 billion U.S. dollars. Hurricane Maria in 2017 ranked second, with an economic impact estimated at 68.6 billion U.S. dollars, in this case including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guadeloupe, the Dominican Republic, Martinique, and Haiti.

The aftermath of Hurricane Dorian

The Bahamas was the country most severely affected by Hurricane Dorian, which hit in late August 2019, lasting until September 9. This storm, a category 5 hurricane, claimed a total of 65 lives and was labelled the worst cyclone and natural disaster to ever occur in the Bahamas. That year, this island nation received the highest extreme climate risk score in the whole Latin American and Caribbean region.

The death toll of natural disasters in the Caribbean

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Haiti on August 2021 has been the deadliest natural disaster in Latin America and the Caribbean from 2018 to 2022, estimated to have killed 2,248 people. Regarding tropical cyclones, hurricane Eta in 2020 has been the deadliest in the region during the same period with approximately 183 victims.

The hurricanes in the U.S. and Mexico in September and October incurred an economic loss of about 110 billion U.S. dollars, the most of any natural disaster event in 2024. Three of the ten most expensive catastrophes in that year were hurricanes. Weather, climate, water related disaster The disasters that caused mortality in large numbers include droughts, storms, floods, and extreme temperatures. Hurricanes alone generated 35 percent of the total economic losses among the leading disasters over these 50 years. The global cost of natural disaster losses was primarily financial losses. Low-income countries are more affected by natural disasters when compared to the richer countries in the world. American Hurricanes Floods were the most common weather-related disasters recorded, yet storms had the highest human and economic losses. As the most common cause of damage, storms are the only disaster for which the attribution component grows. As of 2023, Hurricane Katrina was by far the most destructive hurricane in the United States. Officials confirmed more than 1,800 deaths, estimated damages of about 200 billion U.S. dollars, the destruction of approximately 350,000 homes, and displaced almost a million individuals.

With a risk index score of ***, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Vietnam are the top countries worldwide regarding river flood risk, based on their physical exposure to this type of event. Thailand followed a close second, with a risk index score of ***. Where are flooding events most common? In 2024, nine out of the top 10 countries in terms of exposure to river flood risk were located in Asia, in particular in the south and eastern regions of the continent. Southeast Asia is prone to frequent and intense flooding events due to several factors, which include low average elevations, high incidence of tropical storms and heavy rains, prolonged monsoons, and underdeveloped flood protection infrastructure. In addition, climate change is also contributing to the increase in frequency and severity of these events. It is estimated that the global population exposed to flooding incidents will increase by ** percent in a two-degrees-Celsius warming scenario. Record-breaking floods in Pakistan and Bangladesh Amongst the countries most exposed to floods in Southeast Asia, Bangladesh and Pakistan were particularly affected by floods in 2022. Torrential rain and unceasing downpours struck the countries from early June that year, leading to one of the worst flooding events in their history. In Pakistan, the floods have caused more than ***** deaths. In Bangladesh, an estimated *** million people were affected by widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, croplands, and sanitation facilities. Overall, Pakistan and Bangladesh had some of the largest populations exposed to flood risk worldwide.