In 2008, the Caribbean experienced the second-worst hurricane season ever documented. Additionally, the region is threatened by frequent occurrences of earthquakes, volcanic activity, floods and other natural disasters. Given these multiple threats, the Caribbean is a high risk region.

People in the region are doubly disadvantaged when a natural catastrophe hits. During the storm season, many people lose what little property they have. And when family members are hurt or killed, many families find it impossible to rebuild their livelihoods. People are often left alone to bear the social and economic damage of a natural disaster.