Health Issues Related to Hurricanes, Typhoons & Tropical Cyclones

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone originating in the Atlantic Ocean, eastern Pacific Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico.  In the western Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, this weather phenomenon is known as a typhoon.

AmeriCares has a long history of responding to major hurricanes, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Stan (August, September and October 2005), Charlie and Ivan (August, September 2004), Georges and Mitch (September and October/ November 1998), and Hurricane Andrew (1992).

Rapid assessment of a community’s health needs following a hurricane is an important first step in guiding relief efforts.

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Injury-causing factors:

• Building collapse
• Other blunt trauma
• Storm surges/flooding
• Mudslides or landslides

Common injuries experienced during and after hurricanes:

• Lacerations (torn or ragged wounds) account for up to 80% of all injuries.  Most occur in the post-storm clean-up phase
• Blunt trauma
• Puncture wounds, often from flying debris
• Crush injuries
• Oftentimes, routine medical needs require more attention after hurricane – many individuals have lost their medications and need refills, there is also disruption in home health care services for the homebound (diabetic patients, oxygen- and ventilator-dependent patients)  
• Mental health issues

Important medical supplies during and after hurricanes:

• Wound care supplies such as antiseptics and topical antibiotics
• Medicines and supplies to addresses illnesses such as cholera, dysentery and other potentially deadly water-borne diseases
• Sutures
• Immunizations:  Tetanus, possibly hepatitis A and typhoid
• Antibiotics
• Other medicines and supplies for the injuries mentioned above