#BTColumn – Climate crisis: Floods are coming. Big up Noah!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

By Dr. Colin Alert

Floods are the most common natural disaster occurring locally, regionally and internationally, and their impact is expected to grow in the future due to the effects of climate change. Flooding poses immediate concerns and many dangers to human health, but also long-term effects resulting from displacement of families and worsened living conditions. In the Caribbean, floods may follow periods or episodes of heavy rainfall, or even hurricanes, and may cause a range of problems from traffic disruptions, destruction of properties and crops, to deaths. Faulty constructed and/or blocked drainage certainly aggravate the issues of flooding. Certainly, during heavy rainfall here in recent years there have been numerous videos highlighting areas seriously impacted by floods.

The immediate health impacts of floods may include drowning and injuries. Health risks also are associated with the evacuation of persons, and loss of health infrastructure including essential drugs and supplies, and access to health care facilities. In the long-term, chronic disease, disability, poor mental health, and poverty-related diseases including malnutrition are often seen following severe flooding.

The risk of water supplies becoming contaminated after a flood is very high, and contaminated water can pose a threat for months. Flood waters may contain chemicals, debris, sewage, and many germs, including parasites, bacteria and viruses. Diseases like dengue fever and even malaria, which are spread by mosquitoes, often increase after floods. In addition to the health risks associated with power outages and interrupted water distribution, floodwater itself can harbor bacteria and disease-carrying organisms that pose a risk to evacuees, rescue workers, and anyone returning to their homes. Residents should wear gloves and proper protective clothing while doing storm clean-up work and wash any cuts or scrapes thoroughly to prevent infection. Up-to-date tetanus protection is important.

Vulnerable population groups include children; pregnant women; people with chronic illnesses; elderly people, particularly those with physical or mental impairments; and homeless persons. Being a good neighbor suggest that adults should consider offering assistance to all vulnerable persons, especially during an emergency. If you still believe in being your neighbours’ keeper, then whenever possible adults/families/ communities/church groups should identify vulnerable individuals and offer them help/shelter/evacuation to deal with any (and every) impending natural diseater.

Preparing for floods.

1. Family emergency plans have been shown to be useful in planning for emergencies; these should include information on details such as how and when to turn off the gas, electricity and water; and how and when to call the emergency services. Evacuation plans should also be considered. Families should plan evacuation route(s) and assembly points, and identify areas prone to flooding.

2. Ensuring uninterrupted provision of safe drinking water is the most important preventive measure to be implemented following flooding, in order to reduce the risk of outbreaks of water-borne diseases, and dehydration.

3. Promote good hygienic practices and safe food preparation techniques.

Do not use flood water to wash dishes, brush teeth or wash and prepare food. Always wash your hands with soap and water if you have been in contact with floodwater.

4. Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas and standing water.

You do not know if electrical lines have fallen in the water or if hazardous chemicals exist. Cars and people can easily be swept away during a flood.

5. Throw away any food that has come in contact with floodwater.

If your food has touched any floodwater, it is not safe to eat and increases your risk of water-borne diseases.

6. Safely clean your home if it has come in contact with floodwater.

Throw out any items that cannot be washed and cleaned with bleach, such as pillows and mattresses. Clean all walls, floors and other surfaces with soap and water, as well as bleach.

7. Beware mosquitoes. If your home is in an area with stagnant or standing water, use mosquito repellent, following the instructions on the label, and apply it to clothes or skin. Also wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts, and cover beds with mosquito nets when sleeping.

Our current climate trajectory suggests that we will be subject to more frequent and more severe weather-related events, like hurricanes and floods. Big up Noah, who in biblical times established the original blueprint for dealing with floods, and at the same time took care of many of those around him. Noah had the time and resources to build and stockpile the Ark and to put into practice “love thy neighbor as thyself”. If we hope to survive significant flooding, we must develop a plan to keep ourselves, friends, family and neighbors, ‘clean and dry’ from flooding.

Dr. Colin V. Alert, MB BS, DM. is a family physician and associate UWI family medicine lecturer.