Central America, which spans 522,760 km2, has 50 million and has a 60 per cent poverty rate, is exposed to extreme weather, volcanic eruptions, and cyclones from June to November which cause floodings. In the region the cheapest areas to live are usually also the most vulnerable zones, experts say. "All of this alarms us because we are in a risk zone, and we can't be at ease," says Sandra Ramos, whose home was heavily damaged by hurricanes Eta and Iota. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES