Impact of 2022 Flood on Socioeconomic and Health Status of People Residing in Flood-stricken Areas of Pakistan_ A Cross-Sectional Survey

• Published in: Annals of medicine and surgery
• Main Authors: Khan, Qaisar Ali, Jan, Ayiz, Iram, Sumaira, Haider, Iqbal, Badshah, Aliena, Khan, Arooba, Hidayat, Aabdar, Farrukh, Ameer Mustafa, Ain, Hoor Ul, Verma, Ravina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 02.08.2024
• ISSN: 2049-0801; 2049-0801
• DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000002402

Background: The events of extreme weather and climate-related disasters such as drought, flood, and heat waves are increasing worldwide. This paper highlights the impact of the 2022 flood in Pakistan on the socioeconomic and health status of people residing in flood-stricken areas of Pakistan. Methodology: A post-flood survey was conducted from three districts of Pakistan with a myriad of questions inquiring about the biopsychosocial aspects of the affected community. Data was collected through a validated questionnaire and was analyzed through SPSS software version 25. Results: 40% of people became homeless; the number of individuals with a low income decreased by 9%; and the number of individuals with a moderate income decreased by 22%. Additionally, 48.7% of subjects lost their income due to flooding, 83.4% of subjects reported having some type of illness or disability since the flooding (previously 16.4%), and 92.8% believed that the floods had affected the health and sanitation of their area. Importantly, 22.6% of subjects expressed difficulty in accessing food after flooding compared to before and 59.9% of respondents noted they were unaware of proper pre-flood evacuation protocols in their area. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the floods had a significant impact on the socioeconomic and health status of residents, particularly those with lower incomes depriving a large proportion of nutrition, health facilities, and property. Without access to necessities and healthcare, individuals are more vulnerable to illnesses, such as chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, and heart disease. We stress the importance of providing infrastructural, nutritional, and medical services support to ensure that a community such as Pakistan can recover and thrive post-environmental disaster.