Tropical Cyclones & Infant Mortality Rate

Prelims: Geography | Health | Current events of national and international importance

Why in News?

Recent research has revealed a significant rise in infant mortality in low—and middle-income countries following exposure to tropical cyclones, including those below hurricane or typhoon strength.

• It highlights an urgent need for stronger disaster response measures and child health protections, particularly as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of severe weather events.
• The study found that infants exposed to tropical cyclones either in the womb or within their first year of life were markedly more likely to die.
• On average, infant mortality rose by 11% compared to baseline levels, an increase of 4.4 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Infant mortality rate (IMR) refers to the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births within the first year of life.

• The elevated risk was most acute within the first year after a storm and appeared to subside after 2 years.
• However, the precise reasons behind the mortality rise remain unclear.
• The research also noted that the mortality increase was linked to major storms and more frequent, lower-intensity tropical storms.
• Researchers analysed nearly 1.7 million child health records across seven low- and middle-income countries.
  • Bangladesh, India, Madagascar, Cambodia, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.
• While the average increase in infant mortality was 11%, the effects varied widely between countries.
  • Bangladesh, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic experienced increases of more than 10 deaths per 1,000 births following cyclones.
• In contrast, little to no increase was recorded in India, Madagascar, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
• Some countries may be helped by mountainous terrain, while others have more flood-prone areas.
• Disaster preparedness, evacuation efforts, the sturdiness of housing, and pre-existing child health conditions all likely play a role.

Reference

Down to Earth | Tropical cyclones & IMR