A recent study suggests that the long-term death toll from tropical storms could be nearly 300 times higher than official figures. Cyclonic storm Helen, which hit Southeast America last week, has claimed at least 155 lives, while storm John in Mexico resulted in 16 deaths. In Taiwan, storm Krathon has so far taken two lives.
Researchers indicate that the immediate fatalities recorded during these storms represent only a fraction of their true impact. The study, published in the journal Nature, reveals that the effects of storms can persist for years, significantly affecting lives in the aftermath.
American researchers analyzed 501 tropical storms that impacted the continental U.S. between 1930 and 2015, estimating that indirect deaths in the years following a storm could range from 7,000 to 11,000 per storm, vastly exceeding official records. This indicates that 3% to 5% of total deaths in affected areas over 85 years could be linked to tropical storms, potentially totaling 5 million deaths.
Lead author Rachel Young expressed her surprise at the prolonged destructive effects these storms have on communities. The research draws parallels to the excess deaths observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that economic crises, infrastructure damage, pollution, and stress contribute to the higher mortality rates post-storms.
Additionally, the study highlights that children born in storm-affected areas face a significantly higher risk of early death. The mortality rates vary by state, with Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Louisiana showing substantial percentages of storm-related deaths.
Experts warn that if climate change pushes storms into new areas, the death toll could rise substantially. The study's methodology has been validated by independent researchers, emphasizing the need to understand the long-term impacts of tropical storms on public health.