Implications of Flood on the Health of the People of Abarikpo Community in Orashi, Rivers State

Abstract

Globally, flood disasters are reported to have one of the most devastating effects on economic development, livelihoods, agriculture, environment and the health of victims. This paper examined flood and its implications on the dwellers of Abarikpo community, Ahoada-East Local Government Area, Rivers State. The justification for this study is informed by the damages done by flood on the environment which in turn affects the well-being and the health of the people. The objectives of the study were to; examine the causes of flood in the study area; and assess its effects on the environment and health of the community dwellers. Descriptive survey design was adopted while purposive sampling techniques was employed in determining the study sample. Findings identified the causes flooding to include natural factors such as heavy rain fall; overflow of rivers and human factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, poor town planning and sanitations. The revealed effects of flooding include; overflows of farmlands, living houses, environment, drinking wells. The implications include destructions of crops, spreading of infestations on soil and water, degradation of agriculture land, contamination of drinking well-waters and wide spread of infectious waterborne diseases among the community dwellers especially children.