Source-This post on Impact of Climate-induced disasters on Mental health has been created based on the article “How victims of the Wayanad landslides may experience ‘climate trauma’” published in “The Hindu” on 5 August 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Disaster and Disaster Management.
Context– The July 30 landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, caused by heavy rains, destroyed three villages and led to over 200 deaths in two days. The article highlights the broad impact of climate-induced disasters on mental health and communities, stressing the need for thorough disaster management strategies to address both immediate and long-term psychological effects.
What is the Impact of Climate-induced Disasters on Mental Health?
1) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD is a mental health condition that affects people who have experienced distressing events. Symptoms include distressing dreams, fear, trauma, and flashbacks, which can worsen over time and severely disrupt daily life. For example, after the 2021 Chamoli floods, people reported a fear of working at night.
2) Neurological Impact- Higher levels of PTSD, depression, and anxiety are linked to stress responses. While neurotransmitters like dopamine and adrenaline are released in short bursts, constant high levels over time can impair stress coping and lead to maladaptive responses.
3) Cognitive Changes- A study on the 2018 California fires found that people affected by the fires struggled more with tasks involving selective attention and working memory. They had greater difficulty managing interference, including emotional distractions, compared to those who had not experienced the fires.
What should be the way forward?
1) Psychological First Aid (PFA)-This is an initial disaster response intervention aimed at promoting safety and stability through five steps: meeting basic needs, listening, accepting feelings, assisting with recovery, and referring for treatment.
For ex- after the 2004 tsunami, the American Red Cross and Sri Lanka Red Cross Society trained 8,000 people in PFA, focusing on community rebuilding rather than on-site therapy.
2) Health Vigilance- The government must monitor both mental and physical health indicators in disaster-affected populations due to the increased risk of metabolic and communicable diseases, as well as mental health conditions.
Read More-Heat Action Plan
3) Building Resilience– Effective disaster management needs detailed individual and community plans, coping skills training, and a shift from emotional to logical responses. Plans should include immediate actions, support resources, and key contacts.
Question for practice
What is the Impact of Climate-induced Disasters on Mental Health?
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