Cyclone Remal struck West Bengal, its neighboring coastal states, and coastal Bangladesh on May 25–26, 2024. In the weeks leading up to landfall, India’s mainstream media mounted an unprecedented campaign of 24/7 coverage. Continuous streams of animated radar maps, hyperbolic language, and urgent appeals for viewership all served one primary goal: to capture public attention and boost ratings. As television anchors raised their voices and storm trackers flashed ominous images, a quieter crisis was unfolding in living rooms, marketplaces, and community centers: a mass wave of anxiety, dread, and psychological distress triggered by media sensationalism.

Cyclones and other natural hazards have always challenged disaster-affected communities. Early warning systems, evacuation protocols, and relief operations aim to save lives and minimize disruption. Yet the human mind responds not only to the physical threat of wind and water but also to the barrage of news, images, and social media rumors that accompany every weather event. In West Bengal, the “premath” (“pre-disaster”) phase of Cyclone Remal revealed how unregulated media practices—driven by the pursuit of attention—can erode mental resilience, instill panic, and compromise both individual and collective preparedness.

This article examines the psychological impact of media sensationalism in the lead-up to Cyclone Remal. Drawing upon a primary survey of 200 West Bengal residents, interviews with mental health professionals, and existing literature on media effects, it highlights the dangers of alarmist reporting, the vulnerabilities of different population segments, and the imperative for responsible journalism. In addition, it explores how community-based communication strategies, balanced reporting, and collaboration between media outlets and public agencies can safeguard mental well-being while maintaining informational accuracy. Ultimately, the goal is to chart a path toward disaster reporting that informs without traumatizing and guides without panicking—a media practice that serves public interest rather than private ratings.

Understanding media sensationalism in disaster reporting

Sensationalism in journalism is not new. For decades, news outlets have recognized that dramatic language, vivid images, and urgent appeals capture audience attention more effectively than sober analysis or measured updates. When applied to disasters, sensationalism takes the form of superlatives—“catastrophic,” “life-threatening,” “deadly”—and graphic visuals that showcase destruction and human suffering in real time. Anchors adopt heightened tones, graphics flash ominous warnings, and chyron text scrolls dire forecasts. The imperative is clear: keep viewers glued to screens and advertisers happy.

In the context of Cyclone Remal, this dynamic intensified. More than two weeks before landfall, media channels began running special segments headlined “Remal Approaches: A Storm of Unprecedented Fury,” complete with hyperrealistic animations of a swirling eye expanding toward Kolkata. Social media amplifications—memes, unverified video clips labeled “exclusive footage from the eye of the storm”—spread rapidly, fueling rumor mills. As per Mukherjee (2024), continuous exposure to such content triggers fight-or-flight responses in viewers, releasing cortisol and adrenaline and leaving lasting psychological tremors.

The impact on public anxiety and fear

A primary survey conducted across various districts of West Bengal between May 15 and May 22, 2024, gathered responses from 200 participants aged 12 to 75. Findings revealed that 75% of respondents experienced heightened anxiety directly attributable to media coverage (Mukherjee, 2024). Key indicators included:

  • 82% reported trouble sleeping after viewing late-night storm updates.

  • 68% described intrusive thoughts—images of flooding homes or toppled trees—during daily activities.

  • 57% reported panic attacks or sudden heart palpitations when seeing storm-related headlines.

Many participants recounted that, despite having been briefed on safety measures by authorities, they found themselves immobilized by fear. “The warnings kept flashing—‘devastation,’ ‘unprecedented surge,’ ‘catastrophic damage’—day and night,” said a 42-year-old schoolteacher from North 24 Parganas. “I felt like I was waiting for death rather than preparing for safety.” Virtual focus groups echoed this sentiment: even as residents stocked food and secured windows, they felt powerless, haunted by the “would-be” threat that media updates insisted would be worse than anything in living memory.

Early evacuation and logistical fallout

One tangible consequence of panic induced by sensationalist coverage was premature evacuation. On the afternoon of May 23, hundreds of families in coastal South 24 Parganas left their homes well before evacuation orders were issued. Overcrowded trains, long lines at relief camps, and confusion over camp locations emerged as logistical nightmares. Several evacuees reported that after waiting hours in the heat, they returned to their villages when the storm path veered north, only to find their homes intact but essential supplies depleted.

Mental health professionals note that panic-driven actions undermine the very preparedness they seek to enhance. According to Dr. Anjali Mukherjee of Kolkata (2024), “When people evacuate too soon, they exhaust scarce resources—fuel, food, public transport—leaving little for those in immediate need. Moreover, the trauma of displacement itself compounds stress and anxiety, especially among children and the elderly.”

Vulnerable populations: children, elderly, and those with preexisting conditions

Certain groups are disproportionately affected by sensationalist disaster coverage. Children—particularly those under 12—often lack the cognitive tools to contextualize alarming news. In one suburban school near Howrah, teachers reported that several students refused to attend classes two weeks before landfall, expressing fear that “the classroom might collapse.” Child psychologists warn that this kind of anticipatory anxiety can lead to bedwetting, loss of appetite, and regression in behavior (Anderson & Holcomb, 2023).

Elderly individuals, many of whom already face social isolation, encountered renewed panic. A 68-year-old retired postal worker in Hooghly described waking frequently at night, convinced that floodwaters were seeping through his walls despite having reinforced his home. The resulting sleep deprivation aggravated preexisting hypertension and arthritis, leaving him physically weakened and mentally jittery.

Residents with diagnosed mental health conditions—such as generalized anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—found their symptoms exacerbated. A local clinic in Canning reported a 40% increase in consultation requests for anxiety- and panic-related issues during the fortnight before Remal’s landfall. Such surges highlight how harmful media practices can overwhelm mental health systems at precisely the moment when they are most needed.

The role of social media and misinformation

Parallel to mainstream news broadcasts, social media platforms fueled an “information chaos.” Facebook groups and WhatsApp chains circulated unverified alerts: “Remal to intensify into Category 5—no shelter will hold.” “Fish from the Hooghly River escaping upstream,” “Tsunami-like wave expected in Digha.” Each forwarded post added layers of confusion and fear. As Ghosh (2024) observes, rumors spread faster than official corrections can be issued, creating a climate of distrust in credible sources.

Efforts by government agencies and NGOs to counter misinformation—through dedicated WhatsApp channels, public announcements, and SMS alerts—struggled for visibility against the deluge of sensational content. Many residents admitted they were unsure which messages to trust, leading to paralysis or impulsive actions. In several districts, community volunteers formed “verification cells” to vet incoming reports, but their reach was limited by scarce resources and patchy internet connectivity.

Psychological consequences and long-term effects

The acute stress experienced during pre-disaster sensationalism often transitions into longer-term mental health impacts. Studies of previous disasters demonstrate that high levels of anticipatory anxiety correlate with increased incidence of depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD six to twelve months after the event (Anderson & Holcomb, 2023). Although post-cyclone surveys remain ongoing, early indicators from West Bengal suggest increased prescription rates for anti-anxiety medications and a rise in counseling referrals.

Moreover, repeated cycles of sensationalist reporting may foster a “disaster fatigue” among the public. After Cyclone Amphan (2020) and severe floods (2022), many West Bengal residents became skeptical of media warnings, delaying safety actions when genuine threats emerged. This erosion of trust poses grave implications for future disasters, as complacency can be as dangerous as panic.

Balancing information and psychological safety

Media organizations face a dual responsibility in disaster reporting: to relay urgent warnings and actionable guidance while preserving the audience’s psychological well-being. A balanced approach entails:

  1. Measured language: replacing hyperbolic descriptors with clear, factual statements. E.g., “winds may reach up to 140 km/h” instead of “unprecedented storm of biblical fury” (Mukherjee, 2024).

  2. Contextualized visuals: limiting repetitive graphic imagery and instead using infographics that convey risk zones, evacuation routes, and safe shelters.

  3. Expert voices: prioritizing sustained input from meteorologists, disaster management officials, and mental health professionals, rather than relying solely on sensational soundbites.

  4. Scheduled updates: providing updates at fixed intervals—every three or four hours—rather than continuous loops, giving audiences time to process and respond without constant alarm.

  5. Psychological first aid tips: Iicorporating brief segments on coping strategies—breathing exercises, staying connected with family, limiting screen time—to help viewers manage stress (Anderson & Holcomb, 2023).

Case studies of responsible reporting

Some media outlets in West Bengal adopted such practices during Cyclone Remal. A regional public broadcaster instituted “Calm Amid the Calm” bulletins: concise 10-minute segments that paired weather updates with interviews of survivors from past cyclones sharing resilience strategies. Another private channel introduced a “Well-being Check” hotline, staffed by counselors, publicized during non-peak hours to encourage viewers experiencing distress to seek support.

These initiatives proved effective. In Purba Medinipur, survey respondents who watched “Calm Amid the Calm” reported 30% lower anxiety scores than those who tuned only to mainstream channels (Kumar, 2024). Similarly, the counselor hotline received over 5,000 calls in ten days, indicating significant unmet needs for psychological support during the pre-landfall period.

Policy implications and guidelines

Addressing media sensationalism in disaster reporting requires multi-stakeholder collaboration:

  • Regulatory bodies: The News Broadcasters Association and Press Council of India should develop clear guidelines on disaster coverage, including limits on repetitive graphic imagery and mandates for balanced language (Rao, 2023).

  • Training programs: journalism schools and professional associations must incorporate modules on ethical disaster reporting and audience mental health impact into curricula and continuing education.

  • Partnerships with mental health experts: media houses can formalize partnerships with psychiatric associations to review content plans and provide on-air guidance during emergencies.

  • Community media initiatives: local radio stations, community newspapers, and citizen journalism platforms can offer hyper-localized, culturally sensitive reporting that avoids sensational tropes and centers on community resilience.

  • Public awareness campaigns: government and NGOs should conduct awareness drives on discerning credible information sources, understanding official alert systems, and managing stress during disasters.

Fostering resilience through positive narratives

Beyond minimizing harm, media can play an active role in building community resilience. Highlighting stories of successful evacuations, neighbor-to-neighbor assistance, and rebuilding efforts fosters hope and collective efficacy. During Cyclone Remal, reporters who accompanied relief teams to remote villages in Purulia and Paschim Medinipur documented how local youth volunteers organized temporary shelters, shared resource maps on WhatsApp, and conducted door-to-door checks for elderly neighbors. These narratives, when aired, shifted public focus from fear to solidarity and preparedness.

Media campaigns can also spotlight psychological recovery—interviews with counselors on coping strategies, segments on rebuilding mental health after trauma, and reminders of government helplines and NGO support services. As Kumar (2024) notes, “Positive framing does not negate the seriousness of the threat but balances it with the promise of human resilience.”

Conclusion

Cyclone Remal’s aftermath phase in West Bengal exposed the double-edged power of modern media. On one hand, rapid dissemination of forecasts and safety instructions undoubtedly saved lives; on the other, sensationalist practices inflicted widespread psychological distress, impaired decision-making, and strained mental health systems. As India confronts an increasing frequency of climate-driven hazards, the need for responsible, balanced disaster reporting has never been greater.

By adopting measured language, contextual visuals, expert-led segments, and psychological support features, media outlets can fulfill their duty to inform without traumatizing. Regulatory guidelines, ethical training, and community partnerships can institutionalize these practices. Ultimately, the goal is to forge a media environment where public safety, mental well-being, and trust reinforce each other, ensuring that in the face of nature’s fury, communities remain vigilant, prepared, and resilient—without succumbing to avoidable fear.

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