Natural hazards guide for the Caribbean
Understanding the main hazards
The Caribbean archipelago is exposed to a wide range of natural hazards that can have significant impacts on people, infrastructure and the environment. This guide will help you understand the main natural hazards affecting the region, the factors that explain this exposure, and the major events that have shaped the Caribbean’s recent history.
21
Active volcanoes officially recorded across the Lesser Antilles.
41 M
People exposed to natural hazards across the Caribbean and Latin America.
406 km/h
Record wind speed recorded during Hurricane Melissa.
The Caribbean and natural hazards: a highly exposed region
The Caribbean is the second most disaster-prone region in the world. This exposure can be explained by several factors:
1. A region located in an active tectonic zone
The Caribbean region lies at the intersection of several major tectonic plates, including the Caribbean, North American, South American, Cocos and Nazca plates. Where these plates meet, they may collide, overlap or slide beneath one another, creating active fault systems.
A large number of Caribbean islands are located near these plate boundaries, where tectonic activity is particularly significant. As a result, earthquakes occur relatively frequently throughout the region and can sometimes trigger tsunamis.
2. A volcanic arc that remains active
The Lesser Antilles form one of the world’s major active volcanic arcs. Today, 21 active volcanoes are officially monitored across the region. Even when volcanoes appear dormant, they remain under constant surveillance, as several of them may become active again.
3. A tropical climate favourable to hurricane formation
The Caribbean lies within one of the Atlantic Ocean’s main hurricane development and tracking zones. Between June and November, warm ocean waters, often exceeding 26.5°C, provide the energy needed for tropical storms and hurricanes to develop.
4. Territories exposed to flooding and landslides
The mountainous terrain that characterizes many Caribbean islands is an aggravating factor. During periods of heavy rainfall, water flows rapidly toward valleys and urban areas, causing flash floods and sometimes devastating flooding events.
Heavy rainfall also saturates the soil and reduces its stability, increasing the likelihood of landslides. This risk may be further intensified by human activities such as deforestation and urban development on steep slopes.
The combination of these factors makes the Caribbean a multi-hazard region, where several natural hazards can occur simultaneously, follow one another, or even trigger one another, amplifying their impacts on populations and territories.
Learn more about cascading effects by reading our dedicated article.
Find the hydrometeorological and climate hazards calendar here to identify the main periods of heightened vigilance throughout the year.
The main natural hazards in the Caribbean
Volcanic
Eruption
Hurricane
Landslide
Hearthquake
Tsunami
Flood
Natural disasters That Have Shaped the Caribbean
A magnitude 7 earthquake devastated Haiti. It destroyed a large part of the country's public infrastructure and triggered a major humanitarian crisis.
Hurricane Matthew was one of the deadliest storms of the decade in the Caribbean, particularly affecting Haiti.
These two hurricanes caused widespread destruction across several islands, with long-lasting impacts on populations and infrastructure.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southwestern Haiti, causing the collapse of thousands of buildings.
The eruption of La Soufrière volcano in Saint Vincent forced thousands of people to evacuate and disrupted life across the island.
Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides in several communities across Saint Lucia.
An exceptional drought affected water supplies, agriculture and ecosystems across many Caribbean islands.
Hurricane Melissa highlighted the increasing intensity of extreme weather events in the region, causing severe damage and exposing millions of people to risk.
Frequently asked questions
How can I prepare for natural hazards ?
- Find out how to prepare for and respond to a hurricane.
- Find out how to prepare for and respond to an earthquake.
- Find out how to prepare for and respond to a landslide.
- Find out how to prepare for and respond to a volcanic eruption.
- Find out how to prepare for and respond to a flood.
- Find out how to prepare for and respond to a tsunami.
What hazards affect my area ?
- Use our interactive map and resources to learn about the natural hazards that may affect your territory.
How does climate change influence risks in the Caribbean ?
Climate change acts as a risk multiplier, making existing challenges more intense, more frequent or more severe. Sea level rise, heatwaves and the increase in certain extreme weather events are already having visible impacts on daily life across the region.
- Discover more in our dedicated article.
Who are the main disaster risk management actors in the Caribbean ?
- Caribbean Disaster emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) : Cooperation among Caribbean States in the event of disasters
CDEMA is the leading intergovernmental agency for disaster management in the Caribbean. It is composed of 16 English-speaking Caribbean Participating States and coordinates emergency response, disaster preparedness and the deployment of regional assistance during crises.
- United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) : Disaster risk reduction at the global level
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction coordinates international, regional and national efforts to reduce disaster risks and strengthen resilience. It supports the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 through its regional and global offices.
- Association of Caribbean States : Regional cooperation
The Association of Caribbean States is an intergovernmental organization bringing together 25 countries and territories of the Greater Caribbean. It promotes regional cooperation, particularly in disaster risk management, sustainable development and environmental protection.
- Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States : Cooperation among Eastern Caribbean Small Island States
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States is a regional organization that supports its member states in strengthening cooperation, harmonizing economic and social policies, enhancing climate resilience and improving disaster risk management.
Where to Get Information
Prefectures (French Overseas Departments)
In the French Caribbean territories, prefectures are responsible for coordinating crisis management and disaster response. They issue official alerts, preparedness and safety instructions, and information regarding evacuations and emergency measures.
National Disaster Management Agencies
In most Caribbean countries, national disaster management agencies are responsible for disaster risk management and emergency response.
Their main responsibilities include:
- Issuing official alerts and warnings;
- Providing preparedness and safety guidance to the public;
- Coordinating evacuations and emergency operations;
- Mobilizing emergency services;
- Working closely with regional partners, particularly CDEMA.
During a crisis, these agencies are the primary source of official information and instructions.
Sources et references
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France-Antilles Guadeloupe, Hurricane Melissa: 50 Dead, a Preliminary Toll in a Devastated Caribbean, 2025. guadeloupe.franceantilles.fr
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Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Fundamental Principles – Disaster Risk Reduction. acs-aec.org
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Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Overview and Mission of the Organization. cdema.org
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Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), About the Organization. oecs.int
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United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Disaster Prevention and Risk Reduction. undrr.org
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ReliefWeb / International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Saint Lucia Flash Floods – Final Report (MDRLC005), 2022. reliefweb.int