A major international analysis covering 217 tropical cyclones across 1,356 communities in nine countries (over the period 2000–2019) has revealed a sharp increase in deaths from kidney diseases after cyclonic events. In the first two weeks following a tropical cyclone, mortality from renal (kidney) disease rose by approximately 92% for each additional day of cyclone exposure in that week.
Other causes of elevated death risk were also identified: physical injuries (≈21% increase), diabetes (≈15%), neuropsychiatric disorders (≈12%), and infectious diseases (≈11%).
Why Is Kidney-Disease Mortality So High?
The study authors point to several interrelated causes:
Disruption of healthcare services after storms (transportation blocked, power/water outages, clinics unreachable).
Interrupted access to medications and treatments (including dialysis) for people living with chronic kidney disease.
Increased physical and psychological stress, dehydration, flooding and contaminated water that may trigger or worsen kidney problems.
Greater impact in communities that are socio-economically deprived or have less experience with tropical cyclones, which reduces resilience.
What the Timing Looks Like
The risk spike appears within the first two weeks after a cyclone and then declines. This suggests that the immediate aftermath — when infrastructure is damaged and medical care disrupted — is a critical window for vulnerability
Why This Matters
Extreme weather such as tropical cyclones has traditionally been seen primarily as a physical-hazard event: high winds, flooding, infrastructure damage. But this study shows a hidden dimension — chronic health and long-term care needs (like dialysis for kidney disease) become a major risk.
Healthcare systems and disaster-response planners need to recognise that people with chronic conditions are especially vulnerable after storms. The impact is not just immediate trauma but also subsequent failure of systems that keep chronic diseases under control.
Implications for Policy & Preparedness
Disaster-preparedness plans should explicitly include continuity of care for chronic conditions, not just acute injuries.
Access to dialysis, kidney-care clinics and medication supply must be assured in storm-prone areas.
Early-warning systems and relief planning should consider rainfall and flooding impacts (not just wind), since flooding may worsen healthcare access and contamination risks.
Communities with fewer past cyclone events and/or lower resources are at higher risk and need targeted support to build resilience.
Final Thoughts
The finding that kidney-disease deaths rise so dramatically after tropical cyclones is a powerful reminder: the cost of extreme weather is not just in the visible destruction, but in the invisible health toll. As climate change shifts the frequency and intensity of such events, preparation for the medical follow-on effects must keep pace.
For individuals with known kidney disease, this underscores the importance of having a personal disaster-plan: ensure medications, dialysis access and backup arrangements are in place ahead of tropical-storm season.
FAQs
Q1. Does this mean more people get kidney disease after cyclones?
Not exactly. The study shows increased mortality from existing kidney disease in the aftermath of storm events, not necessarily new incidence of kidney disease.
Q2. Are only people with kidney problems at risk after cyclones?
No — the study found elevated death rates for other conditions (diabetes, infectious diseases, injuries) too. But the kidney-disease risk was the highest relative increase.
Q3. Can individuals reduce their risk if they have kidney disease and live in cyclone-prone areas?
Yes — having a ready emergency plan (backup dialysis options, medications, safe transport) and staying aware of storm warnings can help.
Q4. Why do some communities suffer more than others?
Communities with fewer past storm events or weaker healthcare infrastructure are less resilient to the disruption caused by cyclones, and thus show greater mortality spikes.
Published on : 7th November
Published by : SMITA
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