The article explores the key health priorities that emerged in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, a devastating weather event that struck New Zealand in early 2023. It highlights the need for better coordination between health and social services to support vulnerable populations, the importance of addressing weather-related trauma and mental health, and the crucial role of local communities in disaster response and recovery. The article provides valuable insights that can inform future disaster preparedness and climate change resilience efforts. Cyclone, Climate change, Disaster response
Vulnerable Populations First
The teams highlight a need to better integrate health and social services to improve evacuations and responses for those most at-risk during public emergencies, including older adults or people with disabilities or multiple chronic medical conditions. A community responder described a chilling scene in which an elderly woman was stuck in her wheelchair while floodwaters rose, rendering the need for specialized programs and strategies to meet the needs of at-risk groups. The health system can ensure no one is left behind in climate-induced disasters accessing the needs and caring for the most susceptible populations.
The authors also observe the particular vulnerability of Māori communities to cyclones, seeing as both access and destruction of the environment deepened their mourning. Acknowledging the cultural value of the land and a holistic approach to health, the report underscores that traditional practices and community-inclusive efforts need to be part of disaster response and recovery.
Addressing Mental Health Impacts
The resulting findings of this research detail a heavy mental health price paid by the community affected and front-line responders during, and as the cyclone approached until afterward. The emotional toll, from poor sleep and rain stress to sheer exhaustion and depression, was far-reaching and seemed endless. A lot of people were new to mental health support and there was little help they could access when they most needed it.
The report calls for more spending on available weather trauma recovery services and an expansion of that treatment across rural and isolated areas where infrastructure failures introduced additional problems. By adding a cultural perspective — such as the emphasis in traditional Māori communities that well-being is dependent on the land — mental health issues may be better managed within specific population groups. It also allows climate interventions to bolster community resilience and recovery by going upstream to support the mental health of survivors and responders.
Strengthening Community-Driven Response
Research has shown that disaster response and recovery are most successful when it is a cross-sector effort among government agencies, emergency services, and local community organizations. Marae, schools, social services, and not-for-profit groups stepped up to assist their communities, often using their deep relationships and local knowledge.
Community redirected: Carbon Lock-in, Climate Resilience and Recovery from COVID-19 — Summary Findings from the Global South There were many wise words from local respondents too, from reminders about the value of cash and a wind-up radio to the importance of checking in on those around you, sharing resources in the recovery phase.
Disaster response and recovery dollar sit with the central government but the report argues that more of these bases, more together can be made kinder and wiser if brought largely to a local scale—tapping at what works, using familiar faces. This will ensure that each region affected receives appropriate and timely treatment, whilst at the same time strengthening the overall ability of the system in disaster planning and response through harnessing community-powered initiatives.
