A recent study conducted by Monash University has shed light on the significant health implications that follow flooding events, with communities facing a 26% increased risk of serious diseases post-flood. The research, spanning from 2010 to 2019, analyzed over 300 million hospitalization records across eight flood-prone countries, including Australia.
Published in Nature Water, the study highlighted that flood events not only result in immediate health concerns but also have a lasting impact on communities, with health risks persisting for up to seven months after the disaster. The research identified a surge in hospitalizations for various diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory, infectious, and digestive ailments, as well as mental health disorders, diabetes, cancer, and renal diseases.
The study also underlined that the health effects of flooding are exacerbated by factors such as climate type, flood severity, age groups, population density, and socioeconomic status. It emphasized the need for policymakers and healthcare professionals to raise awareness about the increased hospitalization demands post-flood to enhance disaster response strategies and health system resilience.
While public attention often focuses on the immediate consequences of flooding, such as water contamination and the spread of infectious diseases, the study revealed that healthcare services’ capacity may also be compromised. This can lead to delays in essential medical interventions like dialysis, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, further intensifying the health impact on affected communities.
Notably, the health repercussions of flooding have been evident in Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas. Following severe flooding in Queensland this year, a significant rise in cases of melioidosis has been reported, underscoring the urgent need for proactive disaster management measures.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has been advocating for formal recognition of GPs’ role in disaster management and their essential contribution to response efforts during crises. The college has emphasized the importance of empowering GPs to volunteer in evacuation centers and ensuring that local practices affected by disasters receive support to continue operating.
As climate change continues to escalate, the study warned that flooding events are likely to become more severe and frequent, posing a growing threat to global health. Co-lead author Professor Yuming Guo emphasized that the health impact of floods may have been underestimated and is expected to worsen as climate patterns evolve, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate the health risks associated with flooding.
In conclusion, the study’s findings underscore the critical need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies to safeguard public health in the face of increasing climate-related challenges. By recognizing the prolonged health impacts of flooding and addressing the vulnerabilities of healthcare systems post-disaster, communities can better mitigate the adverse health outcomes associated with flooding events.