They are coral caps set on dome volcanoes rising from the ocean floor. The chains lie about 125 miles apart and extend some 800 miles from northwest to southeast. More than 1,200 islands and islets that make up RMI cover an area of about 770,000 square miles of the Pacific. RMI is subject to tropical storms and typhoons as well as drought. The last disaster was Typhoon Gay in 1993.
Earthquakes are a possibility, as the atolls lie in proximity to several Pacific Ocean faults.
Other potential hazards include tsunami, hazardous-material spills, and transportation accidents. The US Department of State is the lead agency for coordinating US-RMI relations. Predisaster assistance is provided by FEMA in support of the Republic through the Chief Secretary, who reports directly to the RMI President. Post disaster assistance is provided after the US President declares a major disaster or emergency. FEMA response is coordinated through designated government officials, according to RMI emergency plan.