Countries Most-Exposed to Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons depending on the region, are among the most destructive natural disasters. They can cause widespread devastation, particularly in countries with dense coastal populations and limited infrastructure. Based on the Risk Index Score from World Visualized, the following nations are most vulnerable to the impact of these powerful storms:

1. Dominican Republic (Risk Index: 10.0)
   The Dominican Republic tops the list due to its location in the Caribbean, which makes it a frequent target for hurricanes. The country experiences severe damage and disruption, especially during the peak hurricane season.

2. Philippines (Risk Index: 9.3)
   Situated in the western Pacific typhoon belt, the Philippines is one of the most cyclone-prone countries in the world. It faces an average of 20 cyclones each year, resulting in significant loss of life and property.

3. Japan (Risk Index: 9.2)
   With its extensive coastline in the Pacific Ocean, Japan is frequently impacted by typhoons. The country’s advanced disaster management systems help mitigate damage, but the storms still cause widespread destruction, particularly in coastal areas.

4. Haiti (Risk Index: 8.9)
   Haiti’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones is exacerbated by weak disaster preparedness and recovery systems. The frequent occurrence of hurricanes and the country’s limited infrastructure make it one of the most at-risk nations.

5. Saint Kitts and Nevis (Risk Index: 8.6)
   As a small island nation in the Caribbean, Saint Kitts and Nevis faces an elevated risk of direct hits from hurricanes. The country is exposed to intense storms, which threaten both human safety and infrastructure.

6. South Korea (Risk Index: 8.3)
   Although South Korea is less frequently affected by typhoons than other countries on this list, it still experiences powerful storms. When typhoons do hit, they bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the potential for significant flooding.

7. Antigua and Barbuda / Jamaica (Risk Index: 8.2)
   These Caribbean islands regularly face hurricanes, leading to risks of flooding, wind damage, and storm surges that can severely impact both infrastructure and daily life.

8. Barbados (Risk Index: 8.1)
   Barbados, another island in the Caribbean, is similarly susceptible to hurricanes, with damage often including flooding, power outages, and structural damage to buildings.

9. Cuba / Saint Lucia (Risk Index: 8.0)
   Both Cuba and Saint Lucia are highly vulnerable to the hurricane season. These nations, located in the Caribbean, experience recurrent storms, which pose a threat to both human and environmental safety.

10. Bangladesh (Risk Index: 7.0)
    Bangladesh, located in the Bay of Bengal, faces extreme vulnerability due to its low-lying coastal areas. Cyclones and storm surges frequently result in massive flooding, particularly in the country's densely populated regions.

The Need for Disaster Preparedness

This Risk Index highlights the need for increased investment in disaster preparedness and early warning systems. These countries, particularly those in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, must prioritize climate change adaptation measures, strengthen infrastructure, and improve emergency response systems to mitigate the devastating effects of tropical cyclones. The global climate crisis only increases the urgency for action, as rising sea levels and more intense storms threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in these regions.