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Everyone is human. So when a Mississippi weatherman stopped his forecast briefly to pray for an area facing a tornado, viewers watched, listened and many understood.
“Oh, man. Dear Jesus please help them. Amen,” WTVA meteorologist Matt Laubhan said during a live broadcast Friday; a clip of the moment has been viewed more than 1.2 million times on Twitter. The tornado looked powerful on radar as it neared the town of Amory, about 25 miles southeast of Tupelo; it cut a devastating path through Mississippi, killing at least 25 people, injuring dozens and flattening entire blocks.
Many social media users empathized with Laubhan. One user wrote: “I feel this, 100%. I’ve been on the air (radio) during situations just like this, tracking the path of a tornado as it rips through your community. It’s a terrible feeling of helplessness.” Another added: “I can’t imagine looking at that data, knowing people were going to die and immediately having to report on it. And he definitely captured the severity of the situation.”
Research shows journalists covering traumatic events like this often grapple with trauma themselves, and as such require patience and grace like anyone else. They are also in the unique position to provide comfort, connection and words of wisdom as all eyes are on them during these breaking news tragedies.
Mississippi tornado news and what happens to journalists they cover tragedies
A growing body of research shows bearing witness to human suffering affects the mental well-being of journalists. Research suggests that the majority of journalists have been exposed to a work-related traumatic event, according to the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma. Many face repeated exposure, with up to 92% of journalists reporting at least four traumatic situations, according to studies cited by the Dart Center.
Still, they do their jobs anyway, often live on the air.
A Fox News reporter recently covered a school shooting at her child’s school. She was seen on a live broadcast reuniting with her son and hugging him once he got out safely.
Laubhan’s moment of humanity gave comfort to those watching.
“I’m not religious, but this is basic humanity this man is displaying,” a Twitter user wrote. Another wrote: “He knew what was coming, how bad it would be and how helpless he was. But just maybe he saved some lives by giving his dire warnings and perhaps people watching took the proper steps to protect themselves.” And another: “I’ve seen meteorologists truly save lives. They also have very big hearts to help their neighbors.”
We all process trauma differently, experts say
Whatever someone is feeling regarding their trauma, it is OK.
“Some people may respond acutely now and need help and for some people it may not impact them for some time,” Dr. Laxmi Mehta, director of preventative cardiology and women’s cardiovascular health at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, previously told USA TODAY. “They may not mentally process it until later on. We need to recognize the differences in how we respond to these events and how we recuperate after them.”
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America offers some strategies for coping with natural disasters:
- Create a plan: Being prepared can help reduce anxiety before, during and after a big storm. Make a plan to evacuate and put together preparedness kits.
- Be informed: Keep a close eye on weather information and warnings. That may help you gain a sense of control over the situation.
- Talk it out: Don’t be afraid to talk about your fears with family members, friends, a counselor or others who can offer emotional support.
- Accept what you can’t control: Nobody can control the path of a storm or its damage. Excessive worry will not change anything except your emotional well-being.
We don’t know how Laubhan is handling the situation now. But we know his reporting made an impact.
“Wow he was so professional to maintain that composure in life-threatening circumstances,” another Twitter user wrote. “But above that & more importantly, he was human.”
Contributing: Christine Fernando, USA TODAY; The Associated Press; Staff and wire reports
More on the Mississippi tornado here
Video:Daylight reveals destructive force of deadly tornadoes that ripped through Mississippi
Breaking news:Tornadoes rip through Mississippi and Alabama overnight; 26 reported dead
Death toll climbs:Death toll rising after destructive tornado struck parts of Mississippi, Alabama
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