People displaced by hurricanes face anxiety and a long road to recovery, US census surveys show − smarter, targeted policies could help

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People displaced by hurricanes face anxiety and a long road to recovery, US census surveys show − smarter, targeted policies could help

Millions are displaced every year

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The trauma of natural disasters doesn’t end when the storm or wildfire is gone, or even when communities are being put back together and homes have been rebuilt. For many people, being displaced by a disaster has long-term consequences that often aren’t obvious or considered in disaster aid decisions.

Study of public policy and disaster response

We study public policy and disaster response. To gain a better understanding of the ongoing challenges disaster victims face – and how officials can respond more effectively – we analyzed U.S. Census Bureau surveys that ask people nationwide about their disaster displacement experiences, as well as their stress and anxiety.

Long-term challenges

The results show how recovery from disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and flooding involves more than rebuilding, and how already vulnerable groups are at the greatest risk of harm.

More than a third of the U.S. adult population reported being displaced in the previous year

The Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey has been continually collecting data on people’s social and economic experiences since 2020. Since late 2022, it has specifically asked respondents whether they had been displaced from their homes due to natural disasters. Nearly 1.4% of the U.S. adult population reported being displaced in the previous year, equating to more than 3 million Americans. The most common cause of those displacements was hurricanes, responsible for nearly one-third of the displacements.

Some groups face a higher chance of being displaced than others

The likelihood of displacement was above average for people with incomes of less than $50,000 (1.9%), disabled people (2.7%), African Americans (2.3%), Latinos/Hispanics (1.8%), and those who identified their sexual orientation as gay/lesbian, bisexual, something else, or said they don’t know (2.2%).

Challenges of displacement

The problems of displacement go beyond immediate evacuation. People may have to stay in temporary shelters such as stadiums, churches, or disaster relief areas. During this time, they are likely unable to work and earn income. Others with nowhere else to go may return to still-damaged homes after the storm passes.

Access to basic necessities

Many people who were displaced by a hurricane faced weeks without power or lacked access to enough food, clean water, or other basic necessities. After being displaced, 64% of adults said they lacked electricity some or all of the time, 37% lacked enough food, 29% lacked drinkable water, and 25% indicated that they experienced unsanitary conditions some or all of the time.

Health risks

Going without enough clean water or electricity can expose people to diseases and other health risks, on top of the stress of dealing with the damage, displacement, and uncertainty about the future.

Impacts on health

Being displaced also piles on stress and creates instability. People displaced by storms may bounce among family members’ houses, hotel rooms, or even vehicles as they wait to return to a home that has been damaged. They may have lost jobs or be unable to find temporary housing nearby, creating feelings of uncertainty about the future.

Stress, anxiety, and mental health

The survey results highlight the need to restore water and power to homes quickly after disasters. The results also point to prioritizing communities that are least able to afford being displaced.

Better policies for long-term recovery

The survey shows that federal, state, and local policymakers will have to consider long-term assistance for both housing recovery and for health care. Beyond the immediate responses to a disaster, we believe that promoting targeted cash transfers to ensure vulnerable households can rebuild, investing in affordable and climate-resilient housing, and funding long-term mental health services for disaster survivors at free or reduced cost could help.

Conclusion

As the climate warms, extreme storms are becoming more common in every region of the country. That’s raising the risks and the need for policymakers to prepare communities to limit harm from disasters and recover afterward. We believe rebuilding lives will require support long-term, both for building more resilient homes and infrastructure and for recovering from trauma.

FAQs

Q: Who is most likely to be displaced by a disaster?
A: People with incomes of less than $50,000, disabled people, African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, and those who identify their sexual orientation as gay/lesbian, bisexual, something else, or said they don’t know.

Q: What are some challenges faced by people displaced by disasters?
A: In addition to immediate evacuation, people may have to stay in temporary shelters, struggle with access to basic necessities, and deal with health risks.

Q: How can policymakers support long-term recovery from disasters?
A: By providing targeted cash transfers, investing in affordable and climate-resilient housing, and funding long-term mental health services for disaster survivors at free or reduced cost.