Long Term Disruption After Disaster | Carla Orner | TEDxYouth@FranklinSchoolOfInnovation

Transcript

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Summary

This video discusses the aftermath of natural disasters and the long-term challenges faced by survivors, particularly in developing countries. It highlights the devastating impact of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, the earthquake in Haiti, and the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. The speaker emphasizes the need for sustained support in rebuilding communities, addressing mental health issues, and providing economic opportunities for affected individuals.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker describe the impact of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines?

The speaker described Typhoon Haiyan as the strongest typhoon ever measured at the time, which devastated the Philippines. They mentioned a 30-foot storm surge that wiped out entire neighborhoods and caused over 6,000 deaths. The storm surge was explained as a huge wave coming in with a hurricane, causing significant destruction.

Q: What was the speaker's experience in providing medical care after the typhoon?

The speaker mentioned arriving in the Philippines within a week of the typhoon and witnessing the destruction caused by the storm surge. They mentioned setting up medical care and working in tents or buildings in affected neighborhoods. They shared an anecdote about treating an elderly woman with high blood pressure who had lost her grandsons and wanted to be close to them on the 40th day since their disappearance.

Q: How did the earthquake in Haiti differ from typical earthquakes in developed countries?

The speaker explained that the earthquake in Haiti resulted in over 100,000 deaths, which was largely attributed to the lack of building codes and infrastructure. They highlighted how similar earthquakes in developed countries would not have caused as much damage due to stronger building regulations. The long-term consequence of the earthquake was people living in tents for an extended period.

Q: Can you provide an example of the speaker's experience in Moore, Oklahoma after a tornado?

The speaker mentioned visiting Moore, Oklahoma after a category five tornado had swept through the area. They described offering tetanus shots to residents and shared a story about encountering a young boy who survived the tornado in a storm cellar. The boy challenged one of the speaker's associates to enter the storm cellar to understand what the experience was like.

Q: What happens in the long-term after initial aid and support are provided?

The speaker highlighted the challenges faced by communities in the aftermath of natural disasters. They explained that businesses and jobs are often lost, leaving individuals dependent on government or non-profit organizations for clothing, food, and basic necessities. The lack of federal insurance for money in developing countries also means that people lose their savings when local banks are destroyed.

Q: What difficulties do farmers face in the aftermath of natural disasters?

The speaker mentioned that a significant percentage of the global population works as farmers, with an even higher concentration in developing countries. When a disaster destroys crops, it has long-term consequences as farmers rely on their harvest for future seeds. Without support from NGOs or the government, farmers struggle to obtain seeds or the necessary funds to reestablish their crops.

Q: How did the speaker's organization help a remote island affected by Typhoon Haiyan?

The speaker shared their organization's experience of going to Isla Hagantes, an island that had been overlooked in the initial relief efforts after Typhoon Haiyan. They mentioned that the island's seabed was also destroyed by the typhoon, preventing fishing activities and causing food shortages. Their organization provided hundreds of bags of rice and brought attention to the island's plight, which led to increased government aid.

Q: What is survivor's guilt, and how does it manifest after a disaster?

Survivor's guilt refers to the psychological and emotional distress experienced by individuals who have survived a traumatic event while others did not. The speaker emphasized this aspect of post-disaster life by discussing a school where dead bodies were found after the cleanup. They explained that children returning to the school might face survivor's guilt, questioning why they lived while others died.

Q: What long-term challenges are associated with mental health after a disaster?

The speaker highlighted the need for long-term mental health support after a disaster. They mentioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) now certifies medical teams, including their organization, in providing mental health services. However, the speaker acknowledged that these teams can only be present for a few months, emphasizing the importance of long-term mental health support and rebuilding businesses in affected communities.

Q: What is the speaker's message to the audience?

The speaker emphasized the need for concerted efforts in addressing the long-term challenges faced by survivors of natural disasters. They expressed hope that individuals, particularly the younger generation, would take action to provide solutions. The speaker stressed the importance of rebuilding communities, planning for future crops, and prioritizing mental health, while acknowledging the significant role non-profit organizations and governments play in immediate relief efforts.

Takeaways

The video highlights the need for sustained support and long-term solutions in the aftermath of natural disasters. Rebuilding communities, addressing mental health challenges, and providing economic opportunities are crucial for survivors to regain stability. The speaker calls for collaboration between organizations and individuals to actively engage in these efforts and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique needs of developing countries in post-disaster recovery.