Countries with the highest tropical cyclone risk 2023

The countries most exposed to tropical cyclones across the globe are located in Asia and the Caribbean. According to a risk index which considers the number of people exposed to this type of event per year, Japan ranked first with a score of 10 as of 2023, followed by the Philippines, which received a score of 9.5. Meanwhile, the Bahamas was the country most exposed to tropical cyclones in Latin America and the Caribbean that year, ranking third worldwide.

Hurricane, typhoon or cyclone?

Tropical cyclone is a general term used to describe powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters near the equator, characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and low pressure at its center. The names used to identify them depend on the region where they originate. For instance, hurricanes are tropical cyclones that occur in the North Atlantic Ocean and the central-eastern North Pacific Ocean, and they commonly affect regions such as the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the southeastern United States. Meanwhile, typhoons occur in the northwestern Pacific Ocean and hit countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Lastly, simply cyclones describe tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean.

Why is Japan on top of the list?

Japan has the perfect cocktail for tropical cyclones. It is located in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, where warm waters can fuel the development and intensity of these powerful storms. The country’s mountainous terrain can cause rapid changes in wind speed and direction, while its atmospheric conditions – such as the East Asian monsoon – also contribute to the formation and movement of tropical cyclones. This is topped by Japan’s island geography, characterized by a large coastline that increases the likelihood of typhoon landfalls in the country. Altogether, in order to mitigate the risks associated with tropical cyclones, Japan invests heavily in disaster prevention, including resilient infrastructure and early warning systems.