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The Effects of Tornadoes on Human Lives

A tornado is a rotating column of air produced during a thunderstorm -- it can have winds that reach more than 250 miles per hour, which gives tornadoes the power to destroy everything in their path. The impact of tornadoes on human lives includes injuries and death, psychological trauma and a devastating loss to property.

  1. Fatalities

    • Tornadoes are responsible for an average of 70 fatalities each year in the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Tornadoes can destroy buildings or easily toss heavy items including vehicles. Tornado damage also can lead to indirect fatalities. According to a June 2011 article in the LA Times, several people died because of a fatal fungal infection called mucormycosis that was brought on by a May 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri.

    Injuries

    • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that 1,500 tornado injuries occur in the United States each year. Of these injuries, about half of them occur post-tornado during rescue attempts and cleanup activities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some common injuries include stepping on nails or being injured by falling or rolling objects. Fire and electrical explosions also can cause injuries if the tornado damaged power lines, gas lines and other electrical systems.

    Psychological Trauma

    • Children and adults who experience a tornado firsthand may experience grief from the sudden loss of their home and property. This sudden loss can leave families feeling helpless, depressed, angry and full of panic. If loved ones or pets are lost during a tornado, this has an even bigger impact on survivors. Other psychological issues include panic or anxiety attacks, fear of loud noises that sound like tornadoes and a constant fear that a tornado will strike again.

    Financial impact

    • When tornadoes destroy property, the financial cost impacts individuals, businesses, and local governments. Communities may need to provide temporary shelter, food and medical care to tornado victims. Organizations such as Red Cross may set up in communities where the losses are most severe, and local churches can become a haven for victims, too. According to CNN Money, the Joplin tornado in Missouri caused up to $3 billion in damage to insured homes, businesses, buildings and automobiles. The Boston Globe said the tornado that hit Massachusetts in June 2011 will cost tens of millions of dollars for debris removal, which either state or federal funds will need to cover.

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