Common Health Risks After Natural Disasters
Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and others often break or contaminate essential systems that provide clean water, safe shelter, and medical care.
Infectious Disease Outbreaks:
Contaminated water and crowded shelters increase exposure to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, respiratory infections, and vector-borne illnesses like malaria and dengue. Around 45,000 people die worldwide annually from natural disasters, many due to preventable disease outbreaks after flooding or other impacts.
Injuries and Trauma:
Collapsing buildings and debris cause fractures, wounds, and crush injuries. Delays in care can worsen wounds and increase infection risk. For every major disaster, thousands require urgent medical care for injuries sustained during the event.
Mental Health Challenges:
The trauma of sudden loss, displacement, and uncertainty can lead to anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. Almost one in five people (about 22%) affected by emergencies experience significant psychological distress that can persist without support (WHO, 2025)
Environmental Hazards:
Exposure to hazardous chemicals, downed power lines, or polluted air and water adds to health risks. Floodwaters may carry toxic waste, and damaged industrial sites may release materials harmful to skin and lungs.
Disruption of Chronic Care:
Interrupted access to medications cause worsening of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and HIV/AIDS. These gaps can lead to severe complications or death if not promptly addressed. In disaster zones, 20-40% of patients with chronic conditions face severe complications.
Malnutrition and Dehydration:
Natural disasters disrupt agriculture, food production, and supply chains, resulting in food scarcity and elevated prices. Food shortages and unsafe water worsen nutrition, especially in young children and older adults. Malnutrition increases vulnerability to infections and delays recovery.
How to Stay Safe and Protect Your Health
Taking steps to reduce exposure to hazards and maintain health can make a substantial difference during recovery:
Check for Injuries and Get Medical Care:
- Avoid unsafe areas, falling debris, and damaged structures during and after the disaster.
- Clean minor wounds with soap and water promptly to reduce infection.
- Seek urgent medical attention for serious injuries or if infection signs develop (redness, swelling, pus).
- Wear protective clothing and gloves during clean-up activities.
Avoid Contaminated Food and Water:
- Use only treated or boiled water for drinking and cooking.
- Avoid floodwaters for bathing or washing food items as they commonly carry harmful contaminants.
Practice Good Hygiene:
- Frequent handwashing with soap reduces the risk of diarrhea and respiratory diseases.
- Use clean sanitation facilities or safely bury human waste to prevent disease spread.
Prevent Mosquito-Borne Diseases:
- Use mosquito nets and insect repellents.
- Remove standing water around home areas to reduce mosquito breeding (critical after flooding)
Support Mental Health:
- Share feelings with trusted individuals and seek psychosocial support if available. Small acts of community solidarity can ease stress.
Avoid Environmental Risks:
- Stay clear of damaged structures or downed electrical wires.
- Use protective gloves and sturdy footwear when cleaning debris.
Manage Chronic Disease:
- Secure medication supplies and try to maintain routine care appointments if possible.
- Reach out for help from aid organizations if access is lost.
Ensure Proper Nutrition and Hydration:
- Prioritize safe water and nutritionally balanced foods, especially for children and vulnerable family members.
Stay Informed:
- Listen for official public health updates on safe zones, outbreak alerts, and assistance programs. Reliable information supports timely and safe decisions.
