Ian's Impact: The Unexpected Health Effects of a Hurricane

Hurricane Ian was expected to cause major damage to Haiti and the Dominican Republic when it hit their countries in 2016, but nobody was expecting that the hurricane would be responsible for more than 1,000 deaths in just two countries. There are usually not this many fatalities during tropical storms, so how did this happen? This article looks at some of the unexpected health effects of Hurricane Ian and why they happened, so that we can learn from our mistakes and be better prepared next time something like this happens.

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone that forms in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, or in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. A hurricane consists of a violent storm system with high winds and heavy rains. Hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson scale based off their wind speed. On this scale, Category 1 hurricanes have winds less than 110 mph and Category 5 hurricanes have winds greater than 155 mph.

Hurricane Ian was an extremely powerful Category 4 storm when it hit Bermuda on October 18th. Ian blew with sustained winds reaching 144 mph and was one of the most powerful storms to ever make landfall in Bermuda.

What causes hurricanes?

Hurricanes form when hot, humid air near the equator rises and condenses into large thunderstorms. As these storms move closer to the Earth's poles, they spin faster and begin to release vast amounts of energy in the form of wind and rain. When this storm hits land, it is known as a hurricane. Hurricanes are caused by warm ocean water that evaporates more quickly than it can cool off. This excess heat energy is released as high winds and moisture which often cause flooding on land.

An average hurricane season lasts for about six months from June until November with most storms forming in August or September. 

The 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season had sixteen named storms which were significantly less than usual with an average season having twelve named storms.

Why do people in the US avoid hurricanes?

The US has had some experience with hurricanes, but they are often far enough away that they are not as damaging. However, there is one storm you may have heard of: Hurricane Katrina. In 2005, this hurricane smashed into Louisiana and devastated the area. Flooding was an issue, and people were trapped in their houses or apartments without food or water for days on end. This disaster led to an unexpected health effect that many people in the US are still dealing with today- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nowadays, when another hurricane threatens the coastlines, we start stocking up on water and other provisions while preparing our homes as best we can for flooding. But even before the hurricane strikes, residents are feeling anxiety about what will happen next. When Hurricane Sandy hit New York City in 2012, reports showed people experiencing high levels of PTSD symptoms because of worry about how long it would take for them to recover from this disaster. 

When hurricanes come ashore, it’s difficult to predict where they will hit- so those who live inland are always on high alert if the storm happens to come their way. That’s why forecasters provide us with constant updates so we know what areas might be impacted by high winds and rain. One thing most experts agree on is that though these storms bring destruction and uncertainty, they also bring a sense of unity within communities who band together during times like these.

Is it possible to predict hurricanes?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Hurricane Center, provides the public with storm data and forecasts for future hurricane activity. They provide detailed information about storm movement, intensity, and potential impacts on coastal areas. These predictions are based on accurate computer models that take into account a number of factors such as wind speeds and ocean temperatures. These predictions give individuals time to prepare their homes and families for severe weather which can reduce the risk of death or injury during extreme events like hurricanes. 

There is no way to predict where or when an earthquake will happen in advance with 100% certainty but there are warning signs that can provide some notice before the earth moves violently beneath your feet. Some scientists believe that small earthquakes are actually precursors to larger ones.

Who are the victims of Hurricane Ian?

Hurricane Ian was one of the most devastating storms in recent history. It made landfall on September 7th, 2016 and wreaked havoc on the Caribbean, causing at least 110 deaths. Even though it is now over, there are still many people who are dealing with the aftermath. 

The victims of Hurricane Ian can be broken down into two main groups: those who were impacted by the storm and those who were already living in poverty before it hit. Both groups experienced higher rates of trauma after the storm and are struggling to recover or rebuild their lives. For those that were already living in poverty, they had no insurance or financial resources available to them so they have been unable to purchase food or water for themselves or their families - let alone pay for health care services.

What about the psychological effects?

The psychological effects that can be experienced after a hurricane is not always talked about, but it is an important topic to discuss. There are many different factors that can impact someone psychologically after they have been through a hurricane. For example, there could be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. In general, these mental health issues develop due to the traumatic event and the person's response to it. It is important that people who may experience these mental health issues receive care from professionals who are trained in this area so that they can get better. One resource for people in need of help after experiencing a hurricane would be the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI has resources for people suffering from different mental illnesses and also offers counseling services.

What about the economic cost of hurricane damage?

When looking at the economic cost, one has to consider that the hurricane impact is not just about the damage. It is also about how people will react to this storm and how that in turn affects their economy. This is something that economists are studying and will be able to tell us more about in the coming months. And while it may seem like everyone should be equally impacted by a natural disaster, there are some who will fare better than others. For example, people with insurance or those who have money set aside for emergency funds might recover better than those without these protections.