This article analyzes the complex relationship between poverty and vulnerability through disaster-specific vulnerability indexes for all Mexican states. The geographic distribution of vulnerability by disaster was mapped, and the main factors that caused it were identified. Taking the most relevant factors as guidelines, the existing public programs that address the mitigation of disaster-related damage and that strengthen the economic and social capabilities of the population were analyzed. Furthermore, suggestions were made to implement these programs jointly to benefit from their synergies in such a way as to address and reduce disaster-related damage and to strengthen economic and social capacity.En este artículo se analiza la relación entre pobreza y vulnerabilidad, mediante índices calculados, ante desastres específicos para los estados de México. Una vez definida la distribución geográfica de la vulnerabilidad, se identificaron los principales factores que la ocasionan, y después se analizaron los programas existentes para atender aspectos relacionados con la mitigación de daños de desastres y el fortalecimiento de la capacidad económica y social. Asimismo, se propuso cómo redirigir estos programas para reforzar su efectividad, y se sugirieron otros que pudieran emplearse conjuntamente para lograr el mismo objetivo.