In 2023, tornadoes, wildfires, and various other calamities uprooted the lives of 2.5 million individuals, exposing the deep-rooted vulnerabilities that plague specific American communities.
Natural disasters in this country are often perceived as forces that do not discriminate based on geographic region. Many people believe that the occurrence of natural disasters is determined solely by location and not by income. However, reality paints a different picture.
The U.S. Census Bureau found that people with disabilities and fewer resources were more likely to be harmed and displaced by their homes and natural disasters than other people (Iriondo, 2024).
Why? First, let’s take a look at what kind of natural disasters have seen a surge.
What kind of disasters have seen an uprise?
Droughts: According to the climate.gov report "2023: A Historic Year of U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters" (Smith, 2023), droughts affected many states in the South and Midwest, damaging field crops due to insufficient rainfall and high temperatures. The lack of adequate moisture and the relentless heat created a challenging environment for crops to thrive, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. As a result, the agricultural sector in these regions suffered greatly. To compensate for the diminished supply and increased production costs, crops had to be sold at higher prices, which in turn affected consumers and the broader economy. The widespread impact of these droughts underscores the vulnerability of our food systems to the increasingly frequent and severe weather patterns influenced by climate change.
Tornadoes: As reported by climate.gov, a destructive tornado outbreak on March 31 spawned over 150 preliminary tornadoes across numerous southern and central states. The surveyed tornadoes ranged in intensity from EF-0 to EF-4, with the most powerful being an EF-4 that struck Keota, Iowa, with maximum winds of 170 mph (274 kph). These types of tornadoes primarily occurred in the Southern and Midwestern regions of the United States.
Wildfires: Anyone who pays even the slightest attention to the news knows the horror that unfolded in Hawaii in August 2023. The devastating wildfires, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, consumed thousands of acres, destroying homes, businesses, and natural habitats. The loss of life and property was staggering, leaving communities shattered and countless individuals displaced. The road to recovery for the affected areas will be long and arduous, requiring significant support and resources.
Unfortunately, this kind of wild disaster also occurred in some regions of Canada. These wildfires, like those in Hawaii, serve as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters in the face of climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, the risk of wildfires is expected to grow, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate their impact and support affected communities in their recovery efforts.
Which brings us back to the salient point: Who is most affected by disasters?
Who is most affected by the disasters?
Census data from 2023 reveals that socially vulnerable populations experienced higher rates of displacement from their homes compared to other demographics (Iriondo, 2024).
Census data, albeit experimental and with some small sample sizes, consistently shows that certain groups experienced higher displacement rates compared to others. These include:
Individuals over 65 years old
Hispanic and Black Americans
People with less than a high school education
Those with low household incomes or facing employment difficulties
These findings align with previous research on the topic.
Why are low-income and marginalized people more affected?
Oftentimes, low-income communities lack resources and knowledge, making it harder for them to meet with their local political representatives. According to the Conversation “Estimated 2.5 million people displaced by natural disasters in 2023 tell a story of recovery in America and who is vulnerable”, among the displaced population, individuals with disabilities, particularly those with significant hearing, vision, or mobility impairments, experienced higher displacement rates compared to those without disabilities.
So what can you do?
Natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, anywhere, and at any time. Considering the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and fires, it is essential to be prepared. By familiarizing yourself with the specific risks in your area and taking proactive steps to mitigate them, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from potential harm.
DisasterCentral has a guide right here that explains how to plan for natural disasters. Don't wait until the last moment; be prepared.
Disaster Central App
We are aware that marginalized and poor communities are often the most affected by climatic disasters. To help you and your loved ones in times of need, we have created an app called B-Ready. This innovative application is designed to provide you with the necessary tools and information to prepare for and navigate through natural disasters.
The B-Ready app offers a range of features that can help you stay informed, organized, and connected during emergencies. It provides real-time updates on potential threats, customized preparedness checklists, and secure storage for important documents. Additionally, the app includes a communication platform that allows you to stay in touch with family members and emergency contacts, ensuring that everyone is informed and accounted for.
Whether you are an individual, a family, or a business, the B-Ready app can assist you in developing a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan. By offering location-specific advice, resources, and support, the app empowers you to take proactive steps to safeguard your well-being and minimize the impact of natural disasters on your life.
Sources:
https://www.sej.org/headlines/disasters-forced-25-million-americans-the…
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2023-historic-y….
https://theconversation.com/the-estimated-2-5-million-people-displaced-…
https://news.yahoo.com/disasters-forced-2-5-million-182443210.html#:~:t….
Natural disasters in this country are often perceived as forces that do not discriminate based on geographic region. Many people believe that the occurrence of natural disasters is determined solely by location and not by income. However, reality paints a different picture.