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Floods and Other Disasters Kill More People at Night, but Not for the Reasons You Think
A recent study reveals a startling truth: disasters are more deadly when they strike at night. While it may seem intuitive that people are simply asleep or unaware of the danger during this time, experts say there’s much more to it.
The data shows that over 50% of flood-related deaths occur after dark, while for flash floods specifically, the number is closer to three-quarters. This trend isn’t exclusive to water-based disasters; tornadoes, too, are significantly more deadly when they touch down in the evening or at night. In fact, a recent research found that nighttime tornado fatalities have been increasing.
But what’s behind this phenomenon? It’s not as simple as people being caught off guard while asleep. Urban sprawl and confirmation bias can also play significant roles. For instance, many emergency response systems rely heavily on visual cues like streetlights or the position of the sun to assess situations and make decisions. However, during nighttime hours, these visual aids are no longer available. As a result, rescue efforts may be slowed down or delayed.
Confirmation bias comes into play as well. When people experience a disaster at night, their initial perception might be skewed by misinformation or incomplete information. This can lead to poor decision-making and increased risk of harm or injury.
Another critical factor is the lack of information dissemination during nighttime hours. In a crisis, access to reliable and accurate data is crucial for staying safe. However, this information may not be readily available due to power outages, damage to infrastructure, or other unforeseen circumstances.
This grim reality highlights the importance of preparedness measures. Experts emphasize that having multiple ways to receive critical updates is key to survival. A NOAA radio device can provide a vital lifeline during disasters, as it broadcasts official warnings 24/7 without relying on cell service.
Source: gizmodo.com
