Over the past decade, active Atlantic hurricane seasons have produced several exceptional disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean. These disasters, such as Mitch (Honduras, 1998), Jeanne (Haiti, 2004), and Stan (Guatemala, 2005) have highlighted the deadly combination of strong storms and extreme poverty. Advancing the study of the interaction between natural disasters and social vulnerability in the region remains a high priority.

In order to improve disaster outcomes, there must first exist the ability to decrease vulnerability for the poorest. By examining relevant economic and social statistical indicators, an analysis of the impact of major hurricane events on social vulnerability (and vice versa) is made. Factors such as income inequality, low adult literacy, inadequate road infrastructure, and lack of secure access to housing are all shown to be statistically significant indicators of increased mortality risk in hurricanes. Policy choices focusing on reducing social vulnerabilities such as these tend to also reduce hurricane mortality risk. While past research has focused primarily on aggregated economic performance, such as GDP per capita, it is also important to understand the economic recovery of the 'nation within the nation' of the poor and most vulnerable. In light of these and other similar results, a renewed interdisciplinary focus on 'disasters and development' seems appropriate.