Abstract
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, amplifying the vulnerability of coastal communities. In September 2022, Hurricane Fiona became the costliest hurricane in Canadian history, devastating Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) and exposing weaknesses in disaster preparedness and recovery. This paper presents findings from a community-wide survey examining the social, emotional, and physical impacts of Hurricane Fiona and residents’ perceptions of local disaster response and risk reduction. The survey results reveal significant emotional strain, prolonged service disruptions, and uneven recovery outcomes, particularly among lower-income households and rural residents. Many respondents emphasized the importance of neighbours, community organizations, and informal support networks in immediate recovery efforts, while identifying gaps in institutional coordination and long-term planning. The findings highlight how social capital and local capacity influence resilience to extreme weather events and provide evidence-based insights to strengthen disaster risk reduction and preparedness across Atlantic Canada.
Presenters
Corrine CashAssociate Professor, Planning and Community Climate Adaptation, Geography and Envinonment, Mount Allison University, New Brunswick, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2026 Special Focus—Unseen Unsustainability: Addressing Hidden Risks to Long-Term Wellbeing for All
KEYWORDS
Hurricanes, Disasters, Vulnerability, Resilience, Recovery, Social Capital
