Impacts of Natural Disasters on South Louisiana Students

Keywords: well-being, emotional health, physical health, natural disasters, Louisiana
Session Type: Virtual Guided Poster Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 33

Abstract

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 90,000 deaths occur globally each year due to natural disasters. In addition, 160 million survivors and 170 million children will have to face the challenge of living and surviving in the communities impacted by these events. The children involved in these natural disasters experience increased problems with physical health, mental health, and learning difficulties. Of these children, 9 to 18 percent will have an increase in acute illnesses within the month of the event and nearly 50 percent will experience post-traumatic stress which can last up to four years after the event. Additionally, exposure to catastrophic events can alter brain function which can cause memory loss or experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Nearly forty extreme weather events due to climate change have impacted Louisiana since 2015. These students that have experienced these events will benefit from this program because they will be provided with the knowledge of why these are occurring, how to cope with the traumatic event, and how to better prepare for them. Some of these events include flooding, hurricanes, ice storms, and tornadoes. This paper will discuss some of the major natural disasters that have struck Louisiana since 2015 and how they are impacting the well-being of the children.