Earthquake, floods and storms can often have traumatizing effects on a child. The suddenness and randomness of the event can confuse the child to the point where the child will not feel safe at any time.

This page contains information on how a child may react to this trauma, how to communicate with a traumatized child and places you can go to get extra help for a traumatized child.

Home | Community-wide: Earthquakes, Floods, Storm

The emotional effects of a disaster on you and your child can be tremendous. Whether the event is weather-related (as in tornadoes, hurricanes, or floods), accident related (as in bus or automobile deaths or drowning), or illness-related (as in AIDS, cancer or other deaths due to illness), research has shown that children who experience catastrophic events show a wide range of reactions. Some suffer only worries and bad memories that fade with emotional support and the passage of time. Others are more deeply affected and experience long-term problems.

	Signs & Symptoms

• Being preoccupied with the traumatic event
• Sleeplessness, nightmares
• Experiencing intense survivor guilt
• Feeling numb or detached
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Feeling helpless or "out of control"
• Inability to get along with others, particularly in close relationships
• Paranoia and distrust
• Unwillingness to discuss or revisit in any way the site of the trauma
• Persistent, intense fear and anxiety
• Feeling easily irritated or agitated
• No longer finding pleasure in previously enjoyable activities
• Physical symptoms such as headache, gastrointestinal distress, or dizziness
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or gestures