Comprehensive Analysis of Health Impacts Arising from Flood Disasters: Evidence from Pakistan's Vulnerable Regions

Abstract

Climate change has resulted in progressively erratic environmental conditions, leading to significant health repercussions. On a global scale, inundations and extreme climatic events substantially contribute to escalating rates of morbidity and mortality annually. These calamities not only amplify fatality figures but also present considerable health challenges for those who survive. This research assesses the susceptibility and health ramifications associated with devastating flooding through the examination of injury, illness, and mortality trends. The method involved in this research was a literature based conducting 40 studies from different sources including Google scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and Websites online to find out the situations of health departments during floods and other weather conditions. The results underscore the significant repercussions of flooding on public health, encompassing immediate effects such as physical injuries, infections, and disruptions in healthcare provision. Flooding is often connected to a greater risk of disease outbreaks, comprising dengue fever, hepatitis E, conjunctivitis, leptospirosis, and digestive disorders, particularly impacting those who are displaced or dwell in unsanitary environments. Furthermore, investigations concludes that the physical health impacts resulting from flooding are heightened due to the psychological trauma and mental health struggles among those who endure it. To more effectively tackle the health ramifications of flooding, this research advocates for policy initiatives directed at enhancing the resilience and efficacy of existing flood response frameworks.