Replication data for global population profile of tropical cyclone exposure during 2002 and 2019

Tropical cyclones have far-reaching impacts on livelihoods and population
health that often persist years after the event. Characterizing the
demographic and socioeconomic profile and the vulnerabilities of the
exposed populations is essential to assess health and other risks
associated with future tropical cyclone events. Estimates of exposure to
tropical cyclones are often regional rather than global and do not
consider population vulnerabilities. Here, we combine spatially resolved
annual demographic estimates with tropical cyclone wind fields estimates
to construct a global profile of the populations exposed to tropical
cyclones between 2002 and 2019. We find that approximately 560 million
people are exposed yearly and that the number of people exposed has
increased across all cyclone intensities over the study period. The age
distribution of those exposed has shifted away from children (under-5) and
towards older people (over-60) in recent years compared to the early
2000s. Populations exposed to tropical cyclones are more socioeconomically
deprived than those unexposed within the same country, and this
relationship is more pronounced for people exposed to higher intensity
storms. By characterizing the patterns and vulnerabilities of populations
exposed to tropical cyclones, our results can help identify mitigation
strategies and assess the global burden and future risks of tropical
cyclones.