Health Effects of Flood Disasters

With the recent hurricane, I started thinking about the health problems that come along with flood disasters. My son lives in South Carolina, so I was obviously worried about his safety. With a warmer climate, we are expected to have more flooding events, so we need to be prepared. Flood disasters can have a wide range of health impacts, both immediate and long-term. Let’s talk about them.

• Drowning – The most immediate risk is drowning, which accounts for the majority of deaths during floods. Most drowning incidents occur in vehicles. Never drive through water during a flood event. You cannot tell how deep it is or how fast it is flowing. Your car could be washed away, with you in it, in an instant.
• Injuries – From falls, accidents, debris from the flood, are all very common.
• Hypothermia – Prolonged exposure to cold water can lead to low body temperature, which can be deadly.
• Electrocution – Floodwaters can cause electrical hazards from downed wires or flood waters damaging home electrical systems.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Use of generators in enclosed spaces or in outdoor spaces too near windows or air intake areas can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Infections – Floodwaters often contain harmful pathogens, leading to skin infections, gastroenteritis, and respiratory infections. If you must evacuate to a shelter, you will be in close quarters with a lot of people, where respiratory diseases, such as flu and Covid-19 can spread easily.
• Waterborne Diseases – Diseases like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A or E can spread through contaminated water.
• Vector-Borne Diseases – Stagnant water creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases that they carry. Within the last 2 years, there have been “home-grown” malaria cases in the US. Mosquitoes can carry other diseases as well.

• Mental Health Issues – Flood disasters can lead to long-term mental health problems for those who were affected by them. This can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
• Impacts on Chronic Diseases – Disruption of healthcare services or lack of routine medications during flood events can worsen chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
• Displacement and Poor Living Conditions – Long-term displacement can lead to poor living conditions, exacerbating health issues and increasing vulnerability to diseases.

• Make a flood disaster plan well ahead of time, including how you will communicate with family if you are separated.
• Keep up to date with vaccines, like flu, Covid-19, tetanus, pertussis, etc.
• Stay informed – About the weather and about your community’s plans. Know evacuation routes and the location of emergency shelters.
• Get your home and supplies ready for a flood ahead of time. This includes your vehicle as well. Be sure you have plenty of gas in the tank.
• Make sure you have a good supply of all your medications on hand.
• Be ready to evacuate and never ignore an evacuation order.