In 1995, the Americas was the second worst-affected region in the world, according to the frequency of events such as earthquakes, floods, high wind and volcanic eruptions. These figures were swollen by that year's record-breaking Caribbean hurricane season which saw 19 named tropical storms, including 11 hurricanes.

Things were not much better in 1996 with 13 named storms including nine hurricanes. The banana industry and tourism in the east Caribbean are severely impacted by hurricane seasons, resulting in disastrous consequences on employment and the countries' economy often for years.

Beach erosion, hotel closures, destruction of crops, loss of fishing gear, deaths and injuries are all too common phenomena in the wake of an active Caribbean hurricane season. Over 20 hurricanes have hit the region in recent years.