The chronological account of the impact of tropical cyclones in Nicaragua between 1971 and 2020

Abstract

This article provides a chronological account of the occurrence and impact of tropical cyclones in Nicaragua between 1971 and 2020. While previous research has indicated potential associations between climate change and the higher frequency of intense hurricanes, no known empirical research has focused on systematizing the chronology of the significant tropical cyclones to identify patterns of change in Nicaragua. Therefore, the principal objective of this project was to develop a general overview of the major tropical storms and hurricanes that occurred between 1971 and 2020, triggering disasters in Nicaragua. The empirical data was collected from various documents via qualitative and interpretative methodology. It included reviewing research articles, books, academic websites, databases, documents, credible reports of international organizations, and newspaper sources. This study identified that from 1971 to 2020, Nicaragua was affected by 22 tropical cyclones, which caused catastrophic damage to the territory. There are records of 17 Category 1–5 hurricanes, predominating Category 4, one with no class associated, and four tropical storms. Mitch, Felix, and Joan were the most damaging hurricanes that affected the country in the last five decades. They occurred in 1998, 2007, and 1988, respectively. Of the 22 tropical cyclones, 15 occurred during Cold ENSO, whereas only three in Warm ENSO, and four were neutral. Empirical results presented can be of value to future research on disaster risk reduction.