Human traffickers identify and exploit vulnerabilities created or compounded by natural disasters in order to profit off disaster victims and/or relief efforts. The immediate and long-term impacts of natural disasters oftentimes create new exposure of individuals to potential trafficking experiences. Traffickers exploit chaotic post-disaster environments using a combination of deception, coercion and force to recruit disaster survivors and workers providing labor toward reconstructive efforts. Due to the heightened risk of human trafficking in communities impacted by disasters, it is vital that key TAT industries and agencies are trained and equipped to mitigate human trafficking risk before, during and after natural disasters.

Consider these two statistics:

• After Hurricane Katrina, at least 3,750 potential victims of human trafficking were identified in the Gulf Coast region during the post-disaster period. 
• A 2024 study found that 1 in 3 (32%) construction workers in Houston, Texas who have worked in construction post-disaster have experienced labor trafficking.

TAT partners with the transportation and energy industries, as well as law enforcement and government agencies, to ensure their workforces understand the crime of human trafficking and know how to report or investigate it effectively. Here are some things that you can do with your organization or agency.

1. Display victim-centered information.

TAT has integrated research based on several natural disasters to create victim-centered posters that are intended to be eye-catching for victims to see and learn about resources to help them. Click below to view and download the posters.

2. Train your employees.

Train your employees on the intersection of natural disasters and human trafficking with TAT’s webinar. To request this specific webinar, please contact info@tatnonprofit.org.

3. Evaluate and mitigate risks.

Implement anti-human trafficking strategies into your disaster preparation and response plans. Click below to view and download our industry or public sector-specific awareness plans.