July has seen an alarming surge in flash floods across the United States, particularly in Texas, where recent flooding has resulted in over 130 confirmed deaths and approximately 101 individuals still missing.
The economic impact has also been catastrophic, with damage estimates ranging from $18 billion to $22 billion.
Beyond Texas, other states including North Carolina, New Mexico, Chicago, and New York have faced similar flooding issues, and forecasts suggest that more severe weather is on the way, potentially affecting already impacted regions.
While many areas may feel an immediate sense of relief as floodwaters recede, the long-term effects can be equally devastating.
Recent studies highlight that excess deaths related to floods can persist long after the waters have subsided.
Katelyn Jetelina discussed these lasting health impacts in her newsletter, Your Local Epidemiologist, emphasizing that the consequences of flooding often unfold over weeks and months rather than only during the event itself.
A comprehensive study examining a two-decade span from 2000 to 2020 found approximately 22,000 additional deaths attributable to flooding across the U.S.
In contrast, the National Weather Service reports an average of 127 annual deaths from flooding, indicating that direct fatalities during floods are relatively low compared to the downstream effects.
The study noted that these excess deaths were linked to conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, respiratory diseases, and infectious diseases that persisted up to a year after the flooding event.
Internationally, a separate study analyzing floods in 761 communities across 35 countries corroborated these findings, revealing increased mortality risks, particularly concerning cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses within two months following flooding.
Moreover, floods create emotional distress for those displaced or mourning lost loved ones, which can also negatively influence physical health.
The aftermath often includes the proliferation of mold in homes, heightening the risk for respiratory issues and neurological disorders.
Contaminated local water bodies, resulting from overwhelmed sewage systems, can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, further complicating the public health landscape post-flood.
Such disasters tend to disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including older individuals and low-income communities, especially in less developed areas.
Interestingly, the study from 2000–2020 revealed racial disparities in flood-related mortality: while white individuals comprised the largest percentage of overall deaths, Black and Hispanic individuals experienced heightened exposure to external causes, primarily due to barriers in accessing healthcare as a consequence of flooding.
These latent and insidious effects continue to linger in communities long after immediate damage has been assessed, reflecting a critical need for more rigorous research into the long-term health impacts of flooding and other natural disasters.
A review focusing on the cardiovascular implications following extreme storms noted an increase in cardiovascular disease among hurricane victims, yet highlights a significant gap in rigorous long-term evaluations of hurricane exposure and the understanding of mechanisms behind deteriorating health outcomes.
In summary, the death toll associated with floods extends far beyond the immediate events, creating a silent epidemic that will likely worsen as climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of such disasters.
As we continue to witness the ramifications of climate change, acknowledging and addressing the full extent of the impact of flooding is more essential than ever.
image source from：slate
