Disaster hazards to island populations

An UNCTAD study of natural disasters (earthquakes, tropical cyclones and floods) mainly between 1977 and 1981 showed that in 11 cases out of 54, over 5% of the population of the island country affected was made homeless. Of these 11 cases, eight were island developing countries. Similarly, damage as a percentage of GNP could be estimated in 38 cases. In nine cases it was over 5% and, of these, eight were island developing countries.