Lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle: 5 key health priorities for future disaster response

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Lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle: 5 Key Health Priorities for Future Disaster Response

The Climate Crisis is a Health Crisis

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The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has warned that "the climate crisis is a health crisis." The World Economic Forum (WEF) agrees, highlighting the devastating impact of climate change on global health. In New Zealand, Cyclone Gabrielle caused extensive damage and displacement in the South-west Pacific and northern New Zealand in early 2023. The aftermath of the cyclone exposed critical health vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for a more effective response.

Prioritizing Vulnerable People

Many older people and those with disabilities or existing health conditions were deprioritized or forgotten during evacuations and in the days and weeks after the cyclone. Our research identified the need for health and social services to work more closely together to ensure at-risk individuals are prioritized during emergencies, so their medical and physical needs are met.

Investing in Mental Health Support and Trauma Recovery

Those in the most affected communities experienced high levels of stress, grief, and trauma during and after the emergency. Front-line staff and volunteers also struggled with mental health impacts. Almost everyone we spoke to had some negative mental health effects, including sleep disruption, rain anxiety, and stress from road closures, insurance claims, and land instability. Māori participants highlighted the links between whenua (land) and hauora (health), emphasizing the importance of cultural practices in supporting whānau recovery.

Ensuring Medical Supplies Can Reach Remote Areas

Rural and isolated communities faced heightened health challenges due to road and communication failures. Transporting medical staff and supplies required creative solutions, including helicopters and all-terrain vehicles. Access to medicines was a major concern, and coordinated efforts were necessary to get pharmaceuticals to these communities.

Resource and Coordinate Local Support Networks

Local health workers went "above and beyond" to care for patients and communities, often at personal risk. Marae, schools, local social services, and non-profit organizations played critical roles in the recovery, but were often outside the direct ambit of the health system. Mapping and integrating these connections will be essential for future events.

Shift Resources and Build Common Will

Local communities are full of knowledge and experience. Whānau shared tips on preparing for emergencies, including having cash and battery-powered radios. Pharmacists and doctors emphasized the importance of hard-copy evidence of prescriptions. A key lesson is to harness the power of community connections, trust, and relationships in climate change resilience and recovery.

Conclusion

Our research highlights the need for a more effective response to the health impacts of climate change. By prioritizing vulnerable people, investing in mental health support, ensuring medical supplies can reach remote areas, resource and coordinating local support networks, and shifting resources and building common will, we can better prepare for future disasters.

FAQs

Q: What were the key health impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle?
A: The cyclone caused widespread damage, displacement, and trauma, with many experiencing stress, grief, and mental health impacts.

Q: Who was most affected by the cyclone?
A: Older people, those with disabilities or existing health conditions, and rural and isolated communities were disproportionately affected.

Q: What were the most effective responses to the cyclone?
A: Coordinated efforts between health workers, emergency services, and local communities, as well as the use of creative solutions to transport medical staff and supplies.

Q: What can be done to prepare for future disasters?
A: Prioritizing vulnerable people, investing in mental health support, ensuring medical supplies can reach remote areas, resource and coordinating local support networks, and shifting resources and building common will.

Q: How can communities be better supported during emergencies?
A: By mapping and integrating local connections, supporting health workers, and leveraging community knowledge and experience.