Over the last decade, hurricanes have wreaked havoc on CARICOM and OECS countries, with climate change contributing to an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms. From 2016 to 2020 alone, nine tropical cyclones struck 21 Caribbean nations, leading to significant economic and social repercussions. Notably, Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused damages exceeding 200% of GDP in both Dominica and Grenada, highlighting the severe impact of these natural disasters on small island economies. Cumulative hurricane damage from 1950 to 2016 has exceeded $22 billion across the region, underscoring the long-term challenges faced by these nations [690d66d8].
The economic losses from hurricanes average around 17% of GDP annually for CARICOM and OECS countries, a stark contrast to the U.S., where Hurricane Katrina resulted in $160 billion in damages. This disparity illustrates the unique vulnerabilities of Caribbean economies, which are often small and heavily reliant on climate-sensitive sectors. For instance, St. Kitts and Nevis faced EC$53.2 million in damages from Hurricane Irma, further stressing the need for robust disaster management strategies [690d66d8].
Hurricanes not only lead to significant economic losses but also result in displacement and health crises, increasing the vulnerability of affected populations to diseases. In response to these challenges, regional organizations like the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) are enhancing disaster risk management efforts to better prepare for future storms. These initiatives aim to build resilience within communities, ensuring that they can withstand the impacts of climate change and reduce the risks associated with hurricanes [690d66d8].
In a broader context, extreme storms have been a persistent threat throughout U.S. history, causing thousands of deaths and billions in damages. The first recorded storm in the U.S. dates back to 1950, but notable events include the Great Galveston Hurricane in 1900, which killed 6,000 people, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused over $200 billion in damages and claimed more than 1,300 lives. More recently, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 set records for rainfall, while Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico the same year [52f32cf5].
The increasing frequency and severity of these storms highlight the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies not only in the Caribbean but also across the United States. As climate change continues to escalate, both regions must prioritize resilience-building efforts to mitigate the impacts of future storms [52f32cf5].