Why are coastal population so vulnerable to excessive damage?

Coastal populations are particularly vulnerable to excessive damage due to their proximity to the ocean, which exposes them to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and flooding. Additionally, these areas often have dense infrastructure and housing that can be severely impacted by such events. The combination of rising sea levels and climate change further exacerbates risks, leading to increased erosion and more frequent extreme weather events. Economic dependencies on tourism and fishing can also make recovery from damage more difficult.