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Stat of the week: In 2021, 40% of people in the Pacific lived within 5 km of the coast
This World Tsunami Awareness Day, 5 November, we shine a light on the vulnerability of Pacific populations to tsunamis. In 2021, 40% of people in the Pacific lived within 5 km of the coast, putting them at significant risk from tsunami events.
The Pacific region is particularly susceptible to these hazards due to its location along the Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates frequently shift, leading to earthquakes and subsequent tsunamis.
In contrast, about 41% of the European Union's population lives within 50 km of the coast—though the risk of tsunamis is far lower in Europe due to geographical factors (European Commission, 2020).
These statistics highlight the need for robust disaster preparedness, especially in high-risk areas. Let’s continue raising awareness and building resilience for coastal communities.
Explore more insights through the Pacific Data Hub.
Discover the full dataset here.
