Deforested terrain allows rainwater to run off rapidly. Treeless slopes are prone to erosion and landslides. A related threat is soil depletion, caused by tree cutting and land clearing, excessive use of agricultural chemicals, and farming on land not suited for agriculture. In a vicious cycle, deforested and depleted soils become more vulnerable to drought and floods. Populations located along rivers were among those hardest hit by Hurricane Mitch.
Political climate is relevant in disasters too.
Government accountability and public participation in decision-making reduces a population's vulnerability in a crisis. Although the region has made progress recently in sharing power beyond traditional elites, local governments continue to suffer under financial constraints and national government intervention. Over time, disasters exacerbate all vulnerabilities and weaken economies. Mitch's flood's came one the heels of the El Nino-related drought of 1998. Since the 1972 earthquake in Managua, disasters have cost Nicaragua about one-eighth of its gross national product each year.