IMPACT REPORT: HURRICANE IRMA September 14, 2017 1000 IMPACT REPORT: HURRICANE IRMA (U) Citizens trying to make sense post Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Jose. (U) OVERVIEW: The after affects of Hurricane Irma and Jose have left a negative imprint of those most affected. The trauma and psychological affects post recovery are common after natural disasters, those waiting for a hurricane to hit, feeling trapped and helpless coupled with possible recuse needs, anxiety, despair and possible loss of property and homes. Hurricane Irma has already caused a high humanitarian impact, leaving thousands displaced and hundreds in temporary shelters as post operations attempt to aid citizens through desperate times. (U) ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: One of the most common problems following natural disasters is anxiety, depression and stress, after people have lost their homes and almost everything. The affect effects and current environment weighs heavy on a daily basis until sustainment is in place and recovery efforts are successful. Exposure to these kinds of circumstances are not only life-changing, but are very profound in terms of behavioral health effects on the people experiencing them. Individuals who have become sick or injured or witnessed a loved one hurt or killed from the disaster will experience strong predictors of psychological impairment. These effects are exacerbated by a fractured public health system. (U) TRENDING WORDS: #irma2017 #OuraganIRMA #Irma #IrmaHurricane #HurricaneIrma2017 #Barbuda #sintmaarten #Anguilla #cuba #Venezuela #dominicanrepublic #prayforhaiti #CDEMA #sintmaarten #anguilla Common psychological reactions to natural disasters: Feeling overwhelmed Disbelief or not being able to grasp reality of the situation Not willing to wake up in the morning and deal with life Emotional detachment or refusal to act emotionally (this may be a positive way of coping with the situation) Sadness Depression Emotional numbing or emotional blunting, i. e. disconnection from emotion, which may sometimes lead to depersonalization disorder (DPD). People with DPD often feel as if they are an outside observer of their own thoughts and body. Anger Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Feeling helpless Worrying about future Flashbacks of the events where the person relives these events again and again, which may be accompanied by physical reactions, such as rapid heartbeat and sweating Being unable to sleep

IMPACT REPORT: HURRICANE IRMA