Natural Hazards and Risks in Structural Engineering Modul „Disaster Management and mitigation strategies“ Prof. Dr. Frank Eckardt THE SOCIOLOGY OF DISASTER THE SOCIOLOGY OF KATRINA PART 2: EXPERIENCING EVACUATION LECTURE 4

1.Evacuation Response 2.Emotional Stress CONTENT

 Red Cross: Twothirds evacuated in advance  50 % of the remaining believed storm would not be so bad  53 % believe that they could have found a way to leave (Brezina 2008)  In other words, half of the remaining stayed because of lack of ressources  Earlier hurricane experience made it less likely that people leave 1. EVACUATION RESPONSE

 50 % of the evacuated have been seperated from family for at least one day  Seperation was higher before evacuation than during evacuation  Less seperation by people living outside the city center  Men stay twice as high behind than women  Men stay more put to family 1. EVACUATION RESPONSE

 Men stay in harm‘s way more than women, especially when children are involved  Age seems to have no influence on evacuation behaviour  Low income inhabitants are more likely to be seperated  Whites are more likely to evacuate unison; Blacks are more engaged in staying behind with the family 1. EVACUATION RESPONSE

 Post-disaster stress: a) trouble sleeping b) feelings of anxiety c)feelings of depression“  Short term stress: next months; long term stress: next five years 2. EMOTIONAL STRESS

 The closer, the higher the stress level  The closer the longer stress  The higher and longer stress remains, the more likely post- traumatic stress disorder develops  PTSD: pervasive and protraced presence of depression, suicidal thoughts, serious health concerns 2. EMOTIONAL STRESS

 The closer, the higher the stress level  The closer the longer stress  The higher and longer stress remains, the more likely post- traumatic stress disorder develops  PTSD: pervasive and protraced presence of depression, suicidal thoughts, serious health concerns 2. EMOTIONAL STRESS

 Evacuation experience is determing long term stress  Seperation of family and delayed evacuation are decisive factors  Main reason: disrupted normalcy  Women reported more stress than men 2. EMOTIONAL STRESS