Aleutians East Borough, Alaska Natural Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index assessment · AK
Very LowComposite Risk Score
National percentile: 21th
Aleutians East Borough faces very low composite natural disaster risk (NRI Risk Index score 21.3, 21th national percentile), driven primarily by volcanic activity and landslide exposure. Expected annual loss across all 18 hazard types is $4M.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 · Updated December 2025
Risk Overview
Aleutians East Borough carries a very low composite natural disaster risk, with a National Risk Index score of 21.3 out of 100 — placing it in the 21st national percentile and among the lowest-risk counties in the country. The score blends Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across all 18 FEMA hazard types.
The county's risk is driven primarily by volcanic activity (eruptions producing ashfall, lava, and pyroclastic hazards) at High risk — $895K in expected annual loss and about 0.08 events per year; landslide (downhill movement of rock, soil, and debris on unstable slopes) at Medium risk — $230K in expected annual loss and about 28.20 events per year; and earthquake (ground shaking from sudden movement along geologic faults) at Low risk — $598K in expected annual loss and about 0.16 events per year. Across all hazards, FEMA estimates $4M in expected annual loss for a population of 3K.
Beyond physical exposure, Aleutians East Borough has a very high social vulnerability rating (how susceptible the population is to harm) and a very low community resilience rating (its capacity to prepare for and recover from disasters). That combination — a more vulnerable population with limited resilience — can amplify the human cost of any given event.
The federal record bears this out: Aleutians East Borough has received 3 federal disaster declarations since 2000, including 2 for biological events and 1 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic (biological), declared in April 2020.
Among 30 Alaska counties, Aleutians East Borough ranks #17 for overall natural disaster risk.
Top Hazards
All 18 Hazard Risks
| Volcanic Activity | High | 0.08 / yr | $895K |
| Landslide | Medium | 28.20 / yr | $230K |
| Earthquake | Low | 0.16 / yr | $598K |
| Tsunami | Low | 0.35 / yr | $2M |
| Avalanche | Very Low | 0.07 / yr | $1K |
| Winter Weather | Very Low | 6.13 / yr | $11K |
| Ice Storm | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $693 |
| Tornado | Very Low | 0.01 / yr | $50 |
| Lightning | Very Low | 0.43 / yr | $379 |
| Wildfire | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $6 |
| Coastal Flood | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Cold Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Drought | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hail | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Heat Wave | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Hurricane | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
| Riverine Flood | Very Low | 0.04 / yr | $0 |
| Strong Wind | Very Low | 0.00 / yr | $0 |
Disaster History
Aleutians East Borough has received 3 federal disaster declarations since 2000, most recently Covid-19 Pandemic in April 2020. Most frequent causes: Biological (2), Severe Storm (1).
| Declared | Type | Disaster |
|---|---|---|
| April 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 Pandemic |
| March 2020 | Biological | Covid-19 |
| February 2000 | Severe Storm | Severe Winter Storms and Avalanches |
Source: FEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (OpenFEMA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall natural disaster risk for Aleutians East Borough?
Aleutians East Borough has a composite FEMA National Risk Index score of 21.3 out of 100, placing it in the Very Low category and the 21th national percentile. This combines Expected Annual Loss, Social Vulnerability, and Community Resilience across 18 hazard types.
What are the top natural hazards in Aleutians East Borough?
The three highest-rated hazards are Volcanic Activity (High, $895K EAL), Landslide (Medium, $230K EAL), Earthquake (Low, $598K EAL). These account for most of the county's expected annual losses.
How does Aleutians East Borough compare to other Alaska counties?
Aleutians East Borough ranks #17 of 30 Alaska counties for overall natural disaster risk, with a very low rating.
How many federally declared disasters has Aleutians East Borough had?
FEMA records 3 federal disaster declarations for Aleutians East Borough since 2000, most often 2 for biological events and 1 for severe storm events. The most recent was Covid-19 Pandemic, declared in April 2020.
What does Expected Annual Loss (EAL) mean?
EAL is FEMA's estimate of average annual dollar losses from natural hazards, calculated from historical event data and exposure models. Aleutians East Borough's $4M EAL is a statistical average, not a guarantee for any specific year or address.