Implications of the recurrent flood episodes in Nigeria on public health: a review

Abstract

Recent recurrent flood episodes in Nigeria are believed to be triggered by climate change; however, their impacts were worsened by human activities. Documented evidence shows that the 2012 flood recorded the most devastating effect in the last 40 years. It claimed 363 lives, displaced over 2.1 million people in 30 states and caused damages and losses worth 2.6 trillion naira. In addition to deaths and economic losses, flood is also associated with outbreaks of diseases as a result of dead bodies of humans and animals, contamination of water and food by pollutants like heavy metals, insecticides, herbicides, human and animal excreta as well as pathogenic organisms. Other risk factors for the emergence of diseases among flood displaced population are psychological stress, vectors, overcrowding, poor sanitation and malnutrition. Early warning signals, adequate public education, vector control, sustainance of existing disease control programmes against endemic diseases in the phase of floods and the provision of balanced nutrition are highly recommended during floods to reduce its devastating effects since it cannot be wholly prevented.

Keywords: Public health implications, Recurrent floods, Flood-related diseases, Climate change, Overcrowding, Risk factors