The Caribbean, due to its intertropical location and the convergence of three plates, is an area exposed to natural disasters such as : earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, cyclones, landslides, floods, drought and even forest fires.

Indeed, the Caribbean islands were formed largely through the subduction of tectonic plates. These islands, whether they have experienced ancient or recent volcanism, are therefore all threatened by seismic risks. Some areas, such as the capital of Haiti, are located on a microplate fault, making them more vulnerable to this risk.

Islands where volcanism is still young and active are exposed to the risk of volcanic eruption.

Moreover, tectonic plates being in constant movement can cause tsunamis in connection with earthquakes.

On the other hand, the Caribbean’s location is also a hurricane risk zone. Indeed, located in the intertropical zone, there are high temperatures combined with very warm waters (at least 26.5° at a depth of 50 meters). Cyclones are created on the ocean in this so-called convergence zone and their winds accelerated by the jet stream reach 400 km/h. Depending on their power, they can very violently hit the islands located in their paths.

Finally, natural risks can be predictable (cyclone, tsunami, flood, etc.) or sudden (earthquake, volcanic eruption, lahars, landslides, etc.) and this is also where their danger lies.

Their predictability and prevention help limit their consequences. For example, since cyclones are predictable events, the population is encouraged to stock up and isolate themselves in a safe place whenever possible.

However, unpredictable events are much more destructive (depending on their strength). High magnitude earthquakes are an example; in Haiti, the strength and suddenness of these events cause enormous damage (material and human). Prevention and prevention exercises are the only means available to protect against them.

Finally, although the main causes of disasters in the area are natural, climate change also plays a role in the occurrence and severity of disasters such as cyclones.

They are becoming more and more powerful and devastating due to the accentuation of the elements necessary for the formation of cyclones, in particular the extremely warm waters in the intertropical zone. In the islands, the destruction of the mangroves known for their ability to attenuate the force of the waves is an aggravating element causing increased destruction of the territories.

En savoir plus sur les séismes

En savoir plus sur les volcanismes

En savoir plus sur les risques cycloniques

En savoir plus sur les risques de tsunamis