The purpose of this study is to highlight the effects of the socio-economic development on human and economic losses from natural disasters. Results from a practical analysis of extensive natural disasters in the disaster-prone area, the Caribbean, demonstrate that nations with greater socio-economic background suffer fewer fatalities and minor economic losses from natural disasters. Furthermore, the results imply a non-linear relationship between economic development and economic disaster losses. The implications in this thesis have suggestions for the consideration on how to cope with the negative effects of natural disasters and how to increase effective mitigation plans.

The purpose of this study is to highlight the effects of the socio-economic development on human and economic losses from natural disasters. Results from a practical analysis of extensive natural disasters in the disaster-prone area, the Caribbean, demonstrate that nations with greater socio-economic background suffer fewer fatalities and minor economic losses from natural disasters. Furthermore, the results imply a non-linear relationship between economic development and economic disaster losses. The implications in this thesis have suggestions for the consideration on how to cope with the negative effects of natural disasters and how to increase effective mitigation plans.