Floods leave a silent health crisis long after the waters recede, experts warn
Judith Williams, a Public Health Researcher at Ensign Global University, stated during the sixth edition of the Loud and Green X Space that the health impacts of flooding extend far beyond the physical destruction caused by rising waters. She said, "Usually when the water goes down, everybody thinks everything is gone, but it doesn't end there. People's homes become contaminated. Sewage, chemicals, germs and rubbish mix with floodwater. Later, we begin seeing cholera, typhoid and skin infections appearing in communities."
Williams explained that floodwaters frequently contaminate household water sources, exposing families to waterborne diseases. She noted that many residents unknowingly prepare food with contaminated water or allow children to play in polluted environments, increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks. Beyond infectious diseases, Ms Williams also stated that flooding disrupts care for people living with chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, as displaced individuals often lose medications or cannot access health facilities. The Loud and Green X Space was organized by JoyNews in partnership with Behind the Science and CDKN Ghana, under the theme "Floods and the Silent Health Emergency in a Changing Environment."
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Public health experts are warning that the dangers of flooding extend far beyond the immediate disaster, leaving a silent health crisis in its wake.
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