Hurricane Helene has claimed over 50 lives and left behind devastating damage in Florida. This natural disaster highlights the growing threat posed by climate change and extreme weather events. Over the past decade, researchers have increasingly exposed the hidden truth of those disproportionately affected by such disasters. Among these vulnerable populations, lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups, particularly mothers and families, are often the hardest hit. The issue at hand transcends mere humanitarian concern—it is a global equity issue. Time and again, vulnerable populations are left behind during recovery efforts, which are frequently geared toward those with more resources.

International responses to natural disasters typically involve short-term aid and disaster declarations by powerful countries and institutions, such as the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the European Union’s civil protection mechanisms. These responses, while necessary, tend to focus on immediate relief and rebuilding efforts, overlooking the long-term social and demographic impacts. For example, a study titled “Natural Hazards, Disasters, and Demographic Change: The Case of Severe Tornadoes in the United States” illustrates that disaster declarations do little to reduce the inequalities worsened by natural hazards. Wealthier communities tend to rebuild quickly, while lower-income families are often displaced, causing demographic shifts that reinforce pre-existing disparities.

In the case of Hurricane Helene, massive flooding has already displaced thousands and damaged critical infrastructure. Although governments have rushed to provide short-term relief, this disaster presents an opportunity for researchers, international media, and policy actors to push the U.S. to create more equitable and long-term recovery measures, especially for those disproportionately impacted. This could lead to the development of long-term policies aimed at protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, from deepening inequality.

The current disaster response systems excel in rapid response but reveal serious weaknesses in addressing long-term recovery, especially for lower SES communities. The research on U.S. tornadoes mentioned earlier underscores a recurring issue: wealthier, predominantly white communities recover more quickly, while low-income, often minority communities face displacement. This dynamic, referred to as the “recovery machine,” benefits those with resources to rebuild. Those with access to private insurance and savings can accelerate their recovery, while those without such resources—especially low-income families—remain at a disadvantage.

This disparity is evident in FEMA’s disaster declarations. While federal aid is intended to support all affected communities, it fails to account for pre-existing inequalities. Wealthier families, with access to private insurance, can supplement federal aid, whereas poorer families are left with inadequate support to rebuild their lives. Furthermore, the psychological and medical needs of these populations are often overlooked, with wealthier families accessing these resources more easily, while lower SES groups endure trauma much longer.

Hurricane Helene is no different from previous disasters in this regard. Low-income mothers and children in affected areas have been hit the hardest, particularly due to poorly constructed housing that is more vulnerable to extreme weather. The temporary relief provided by governments and international organizations does not address the deeper, systemic issues that leave these communities more exposed. Without long-term investments in affordable housing and community resilience, these vulnerable groups will continue to suffer disproportionately in future disasters.

Moreover, disaster aid policies often fail to consider the specific vulnerabilities of women and children. Mothers, especially, carry a heavy psychological burden during natural disasters, but their needs are rarely prioritized in disaster relief frameworks. Shelters and aid distribution centers are frequently ill-equipped to accommodate families with young children, exacerbating the difficulties faced by these vulnerable groups. This oversight perpetuates the cycle of displacement and suffering for low-income mothers and children.

Disaster response must go beyond immediate relief efforts and address the structural inequalities that make certain groups more vulnerable in the first place. A multi-tiered approach, informed by research and current trends in disaster response, can help address these issues and build a more equitable system for recovery.

Firstly, international cooperation and enforcement are necessary to create a more equitable disaster response system. Countries currently operate their own disaster frameworks based on their resources and priorities, but a coordinated global effort is essential, especially in the face of escalating climate risks. Through the United Nations or similar bodies, international policies could be enacted to ensure minimum standards for disaster preparedness and recovery, including affordable housing, child-friendly shelters, and long-term support for displaced families. These standards would ensure that vulnerable populations, particularly low-income mothers and children, are not left behind during recovery efforts.

Secondly, disaster response frameworks must prioritize gender-sensitive policies. Women, especially mothers, face unique challenges during and after natural disasters. Shelters should be equipped with breastfeeding areas, childcare facilities, and family units to accommodate women with young children. Aid distribution must also account for the specific needs of women, such as hygiene products and prenatal care for pregnant women. Governments and international organizations should collaborate to ensure that gender equality is considered in disaster relief efforts. This shift would help address the disproportionately high burden placed on women during recovery.

Thirdly, governments should implement a tiered insurance system for low-income households in high-risk areas. The current system, which relies heavily on private insurance, leaves low-income families at a disadvantage, while wealthier households recover quickly. A subsidized insurance program could be developed, potentially funded by international aid, to provide low-income families with the resources they need to rebuild after disasters like Hurricane Helene. This would create a more equitable recovery process and reduce long-term demographic shifts that favour wealthier groups.

Additionally, governments must invest in affordable, climate-resilient housing. Lower SES neighbourhoods often suffer the most from natural disasters because of substandard housing. Investing in durable, weather-resistant homes in vulnerable areas is not just a temporary fix—it’s a long-term strategy to protect marginalized communities. Incentivising the construction of climate-resilient housing and enforcing stricter building codes would reduce the displacement of low-income families and provide them with greater security in the face of future disasters.

Lastly, community-based early warning systems and disaster education are essential for empowering vulnerable populations. Many low-income families, particularly mothers, lack knowledge about how to protect themselves during a disaster. Local governments, in collaboration with international organizations, should establish programs to educate these communities on disaster preparedness. Early warning systems that are easily accessible to these populations would also help ensure that they are better prepared for future disasters. Education campaigns could include information on evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and survival skills.

In conclusion, Hurricane Helene serves as a powerful reminder of the inequalities that natural disasters exacerbate. As research shows, the current disaster response systems are well-intentioned but ultimately fail to address the systemic issues that leave low-income families, particularly mothers and children, at greater risk. By enforcing stricter international standards, prioritizing gender-sensitive solutions, and investing in long-term infrastructure and insurance systems, we can create a more equitable disaster response framework. The need for such systemic change is urgent. As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of natural disasters will only increase, making it critical that international actors come together to create sustainable, inclusive solutions for all.