Extreme weather survivors discuss anger after disasters
By Judy Abel · Fri Sep 11 2026
A nationwide network of disaster survivors addresses the frustration, grief, and sense of betrayal that can linger long after the immediate danger has passed
Even if your house didn’t burn down, all of Malibu weathered a disaster after the Palisades Fire ripped apart neighborhoods, businesses, Pacific Coast Highway, and displaced hundreds of families, forever changing the community as we knew it. And Malibu is not alone after a series of destructive fires, floods, and other extreme weather disasters havetorn through other cities across the United States in recent years.
Extreme Weather Survivors (EWS) is a nationwide network that connects people impacted by climate disasters and extreme weather events, including superstorms and deadly heatwaves. The nonprofit just held a peer-to-peer virtual discussion on a topic rarely addressed after weather-related life-shattering events — anger.
Experts and attendees, all with the unique experience of being affected by a weather disaster, spoke about tangible ways they’ve coped with anger after their lives were uprooted, and some acknowledged they were completely consumed by it.
One moderator explained how complex feelings of anger can be: “On one hand, we made it out alive. Others had it way worse.” Still, life after the disaster can leave bad memories such as: no water in fire hydrants, no fire department on site, poor disaster management. The list can go on. And then there are new realities to face such as dealing with your insurance company, government agencies, inequitable financial help, family dynamics. That list can go on too. All agreed the anger after trauma is real.
One of the goals of the group chat was to destigmatize why disaster rage is a predictable post-disaster response and to remove the shame when intense feelings of betrayal and unfairness arise; another is to prevent anger from eroding your health, your mind, and personal relationships, all while dealing with the ongoing stress following disasters. By protecting your energy using practical tools, self-efficacy, and channeling valid frustration into effective action, EWS offered helpful advice to move forward before seeking professional help.
First, what is “disaster rage”? The group defined it informally as anger, frustration, irritability, or aggression, during or after a crisis, loss of control, prolonged stress, uncertainty, disrupted routines, financial stress, difficulty getting assistance, or feeling that institutions have failed to respond adequately.
This anger can manifest itself by having a short temper with employers, organizations, community leaders, and especially family. One might exhibit riskier or more aggressive behavior. The behavior may persist well beyond the immediate emergency.
The next step according to group moderators is understanding anger in the aftermath of disaster which includesrecognizing that your feelings are unique, personal, and fundamentally valid in the wake of trauma. Importantly, according to EWS, is that “anger acts as a protective mechanism against the trauma of loss and the forced transition into powerlessness.”
One lesson EWS offered is “Shifting the internal narrative. Shift your perspective from asking, 'what is wrong with me to understanding, what happened to me?'
“Why we feel anger and understanding the function and the cycle of our emotions. Anger is really a secondary emotion. It often serves as a mask for deeper, more vulnerable feelings, such as the sadness, fear, grief, and anxiety of all of the losses that are incurred. Anger as a protector, functioning as an emotional shield, anger can help you defend against feelings ofoverwhelming grief. And then there's the cycle of anger. Unresolved anger, can create a feedback loop, resulting in perpetuated frustration, and can also damage relationships. It's important to know when you are experiencing the aftermath of a traumatic situation.”
The anger can be valid, but EWS points out that chronic anger can have biological impacts on health. Sustained anger shifts the body into a state of high alert, compromising the immune system and elevating long-term stress markers. It’s important to recognize somatic signals such as muscle tension, rapid breathing, or increased heart rate as vital early warning signs before an emotional escalation occurs.
The group acknowledged that cultural norms often stigmatize or invalidate anger as a legitimate response to grief, but also urged attendees to cultivate the practice of giving yourself permission to experience emotions without judgement.
Some thoughtful reminders included accepting that not every difficult experience has a fair resolution and to acknowledgethat something may have been profoundly unfair.
Restore a sense of agency. Ask: What can I control now? What decision can I make? Where can I direct my energy?
Allow recovery to take time. Trust and emotional equilibrium may not return quickly, particularly when losses are ongoing.
Encourage connection. Talking with trusted people, peers, community support, or a professional can help people process what happened rather than carrying it alone.
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health operates a free, confidential mental health support line offering crisis intervention and referrals at (800) 854-7771.
The Boys & Girls Club Malibu Wellness Center can be reached at (310) 457-0360 ext. 60-146 or at wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org.