Experiences of people with physical disabilities before, during, and after tropical cyclones in Queensland, Australia

This study investigated experiences of people with physical disabilities in recent severe cyclones affecting Queensland, Australia. The aim was to explore factors that influence the capacity of people with physical disabilities to prepare, evacuate, and recover from cyclone events, to inform disability inclusive disaster risk reduction activities. A qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews was conducted with twenty people with physical disabilities who had experienced a recent severe tropical cyclone in northern Queensland, Australia. Thematic analysis using an inductive approach was used to interpret interview findings. The study demonstrated that the interaction between the health condition and key environmental factors (cyclone impact, logistical support, and psychosocial support) and personal factors that mediate those environmental factors (readiness, managing one's own health, financial autonomy, and personal resilience) influenced the capacity of people with physical disabilities to manage their wellbeing before, during, and after cyclone events. Disability inclusive disaster risk reduction strategies need to focus on strengthening key environmental and personal factors that have a fluctuating influence on each individual's ability to manage their wellbeing at the different time points over the course of a cyclone event. Hence, people with physical disabilities and their supports need to be actively involved in disaster planning and implementation to minimise vulnerability and optimise resilience for this population during cyclones.