The Hidden Toll of Bushfires: Health, Mental Wellbeing and Long-Term Impacts
Bushfires have long been known for their immediate destruction, but recent research has revealed a more complex and devastating aftermath. Studies from the scientific journal JAMA highlight that poor air quality, healthcare delays, and mental health crises have contributed to hundreds of deaths following large-scale bushfires in Los Angeles and Hawaii. These findings underline the need for a broader understanding of the long-term impacts of such disasters.
Excess Deaths in Los Angeles
A study conducted by researchers at Boston University’s Department of Global Health examined the impact of the January 2023 wildfires in Los Angeles. They found that the number of deaths during this period was significantly higher than expected. The official death toll was reported as 30, but the study estimates that an additional 440 people died due to the fires.
The Palisades fire, which began on January 7, caused widespread damage, killing at least 12 people and destroying nearly 8,000 homes. A second fire in Altadena added to the devastation, with 17 lives lost and over 10,000 buildings damaged or destroyed. Researchers compared the actual weekly death rates to the expected rates and found that the number of deaths consistently exceeded expectations.
Dr Andrew Stokes, co-author of the study, explained that the excess deaths were likely linked to exposure to toxic smoke and interruptions in healthcare services. He noted that these gaps are common in disaster-related mortality data, with many deaths going uncounted, especially in the weeks and months following the event.
Mental and Physical Health Crises in Hawaii
In August 2023, wildfires swept across Maui, Hawaii, leading to significant loss of life and property. The fires killed over 100 people and destroyed thousands of homes. A separate study found a sharp increase in suicide and overdose deaths, with a 46% rise in August compared to other months. This spike was not sustained in the following four months, but the immediate effects were clear.
Researchers from New York University noted that there was a surge in calls to suicide and crisis helplines after the fires. The report highlighted that residents who had directly experienced the fires, as well as those indirectly affected, showed increased risk of suicide and overdose deaths. Migration patterns and concerns for loved ones also played a role in these outcomes.
Another study focused on the physical and mental health impacts on residents. Nearly half of those surveyed reported persistent respiratory symptoms, and living within the fire perimeter was linked to worse lung function. Mental health burdens were also significant, with high levels of depression and low self-esteem reported among participants.
Long-Term Health and Social Consequences
The studies emphasize that the consequences of bushfires extend far beyond the immediate destruction. Economic hardship, food insecurity, and lack of access to healthcare were also prevalent in the wake of the fires. Almost a quarter of respondents in the University of Hawaii survey experienced very low food security, more than double the pre-disaster rate.
Mental health issues, including suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms, were notably higher than historical averages. These findings suggest that the psychological toll of such events can be severe and long-lasting, requiring ongoing support and intervention.
Lessons for Australia
Experts in Australia have acknowledged the significance of these findings. Andrew Gissing from Natural Hazards Research Australia pointed out that similar trends have been observed in the country, particularly after the Black Summer bushfires. He emphasized the importance of addressing public health impacts alongside firefighting efforts.
Dr Sonia Angell from the Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlighted the need for better health measurements to capture the full impact of wildfires. She stressed that the health effects of such events can persist long after the flames have died down.
With climate change increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies is more critical than ever. As communities face rising risks, understanding and mitigating the long-term health and social consequences of bushfires will be essential.