Hurricanes’ Long-Term Mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean
A new study reveals that tropical storms may cause thousands of excess deaths long after the storm has passed. As Caribbean and Latin American countries continue in hurricane season, these findings could have critical implications for disaster response and public health.
Hurricanes’ Long-Term Mortality Impact
Hurricanes and tropical storms are a regular threat to the Caribbean and Latin American regions, bringing immediate devastation to infrastructure, economies, and communities. However, new research published in Nature reveals that these storms may have an even more insidious and lasting effect: a significant rise in long-term mortality. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University, found that the indirect effects of tropical cyclones (TCs) could lead to an excess of 7,000 to 11,000 deaths over the years following the storm.
These findings are a wake-up call for hurricane-prone regions in Latin America and the Caribbean, which have long contended with the immediate destruction caused by storms. While governments often focus on disaster response and rebuilding, the research suggests that the actual cost of these storms is far greater, with long-term impacts on public health that extend well beyond the initial aftermath.
By analyzing data from 501 tropical cyclones that struck the U.S. coastline between 1930 and 2015, researchers Rachel Young (Berkeley) and Solomon Hsiang (Stanford) highlighted how these storms contributed to an excess mortality rate of 3.2% to 5.1% in affected areas. The underlying causes include disruptions to healthcare access, economic hardship, and other ripple effects that continue to claim lives long after the winds die.
The implications of this research are dire for countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and other hurricane-prone nations in Latin America and the Caribbean. It suggests that the actual toll of hurricanes may be significantly underreported and calls for a reevaluation of how these countries prepare for and recover from such disasters.
The Economic and Health Fallout in Vulnerable Regions
In the wake of a hurricane, the damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure is often the most visible and immediate concern. But beyond the destruction, hurricanes also create long-term economic challenges that have cascading effects on public health. The researchers behind this study point to financial hardships as a critical factor in the increased mortality rates in the years following a tropical cyclone.
In many parts of the Caribbean and Latin America, where healthcare systems are strained and resources are limited, hurricanes exacerbate these challenges. The loss of jobs, reduced access to healthcare, and increased living costs make it difficult for people to recover fully. As the study highlights, the financial burdens of repairing homes and replacing lost possessions often leave families with less money to spend on healthcare, further compounding health risks.
This is particularly concerning in regions where hurricanes are a recurring threat. In countries like Haiti and Puerto Rico, where hurricanes have repeatedly battered, the cumulative economic impact can lead to long-term poverty and diminished access to essential services. In 2017, Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria, and the storm’s long-term health impacts are still being felt. While the official death toll stood at 64 initially, later reports estimated that thousands more died in the aftermath due to lack of access to medical care, electricity, and clean water. The Nature study’s findings suggest this pattern may be even more widespread across the region than previously understood.
As Young and Hsiang’s research indicates, the long-term excess mortality linked to tropical cyclones stems not only from direct causes like drowning or injuries but also from chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even mental health issues like suicide. In the context of Latin American and Caribbean nations, where healthcare access can already be precarious, hurricanes intensify these vulnerabilities, leading to preventable deaths in the years that follow a significant storm.
Public Health Systems Under Strain
One of the most troubling aspects of this research is the impact of hurricanes on healthcare systems in affected regions. In many Caribbean and Latin American countries, healthcare infrastructure is often fragile, and the aftermath of a major storm can push it to the breaking point. Hospitals and clinics are frequently damaged, medical supplies run low, and healthcare workers are often stretched too thin. This creates a dangerous situation for those with chronic illnesses or in need of urgent care.
The Nature study highlights that many of the excess deaths following hurricanes are linked to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. In regions where storms disrupt healthcare systems, patients with these conditions may not receive the care they need, leading to a gradual increase in mortality over time. This can be particularly severe in rural areas, where access to medical facilities is already limited, and transportation becomes even more difficult after a hurricane.
Countries like the Dominican Republic and Cuba have seen firsthand how hurricanes disrupt healthcare delivery. After Hurricane Matthew struck the Caribbean in 2016, many communities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic were left without access to healthcare for weeks, resulting in a spike in preventable deaths. Similarly, Cuba’s robust disaster preparedness system has been praised for reducing direct hurricane fatalities, but it has also struggled with the long-term health impacts of repeated storms.
The research underscores the need for more robust public health systems that can withstand the pressure of natural disasters. Investing in more resilient healthcare infrastructure, creating better disaster response plans, and ensuring that healthcare services are accessible even in the most remote areas are critical for reducing the region’s long-term mortality burden of hurricanes.
Addressing the Hidden Health Crisis
The findings from the Berkeley and Stanford study reveal a hidden crisis that has long been overlooked in disaster management—hurricanes not only claim lives during the event but continue to do so for years afterward. This long-term mortality, driven by the socioeconomic and health-related disruptions caused by these storms, calls for a new approach to disaster preparedness and recovery in the Caribbean and Latin America.
First, better integration of public health planning into hurricane response strategies is needed. Governments and international organizations must recognize that hurricanes’ true impact extends beyond the immediate death toll and destruction. Long-term health effects should be a key component of disaster recovery efforts, with a focus on supporting the most vulnerable populations, including those with chronic illnesses, young children, and the elderly.
Second, addressing the economic fallout of hurricanes is crucial. Many deaths identified in the Nature study were linked to indirect causes, such as reduced healthcare spending due to financial hardship. In the Caribbean, where economies are often heavily dependent on tourism and agriculture—sectors that are particularly vulnerable to storms—governments must find ways to provide financial support to those affected by hurricanes. This could include emergency healthcare funds, subsidies for medical expenses, or income support programs to help families recover.
Finally, building climate resilience is essential. As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, Latin American and Caribbean nations must invest in more resilient infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and transportation systems. By preparing for the long-term health impacts of hurricanes, these countries can better protect their populations and reduce the number of preventable deaths in the years following a storm.
Also read: Ecuador’s ‘Living Forest’ Initiative: A Revolutionary Approach to Climate Action
The Nature study’s findings offer a sobering reminder that hurricanes’ actual toll is far greater than the immediate devastation. For Latin American and Caribbean countries, this research underscores the urgent need to rethink disaster preparedness, focusing on immediate relief and long-term public health strategies that can mitigate the hidden costs of these powerful storms.
