Economic consequences of natural disasters among Pacific island countries

Abstract

his paper explores some of the economic consequences of natural disasters among Pacific island countries, especially in relation to damage caused to social and economic infrastructure and the productive base. It draws on the experience of Fiji, Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) and Papua New Guinea, each of which has recently suffered exceptionally heavy economic losses from disaster events. The analysis concludes with a few observations on major mitigation policies required to minimise economic losses. Show more