The devastating impact of floods on public health in the United States has been highlighted in a recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine. Over the past two decades, large floods have been associated with up to a 24.9% increase in death rates from major causes, compared to normal conditions. This study, led by scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in collaboration with researchers from Arizona State University, Harvard University, and the University of Arizona, sheds light on the hidden effects of floods, including those unrelated to hurricanes.
The research fills a critical knowledge gap on cause-specific flood mortality risks in the U.S. and how these risks vary among different population groups. With the projected increase in population exposed to floods by 2050, the findings from this study could help public health agencies allocate resources more effectively to address the growing threat of flooding.
According to Victoria Lynch, Ph.D., post-doctoral research fellow at Columbia Mailman School, “Flooding is an urgent public health concern as sea level rise, rapid snowpack melting, and increased storm severity will lead to more destructive and frequent events.” The study reveals that floods are linked to higher death rates for most major causes of death, even for floods caused by heavy rain or snowmelt that may not prompt immediate emergency responses.
Robbie M. Parks, assistant professor in Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Mailman School and senior author of the study, emphasizes the importance of understanding the long-term health impacts of floods to improve resilience to climate-related disasters. By analyzing 35.6 million U.S. death records from 2001 to 2018, the researchers found that residents of over 2,700 counties across the country experienced at least one large flood during the study period.
The study identified different causes of large flood events, with heavy rain being the most common trigger, followed by snowmelt in the Midwest and tropical cyclones in the southeast. The research also revealed specific increases in death rates associated with different flood causes, such as respiratory diseases, neuropsychiatric conditions, and cardiovascular diseases.
Jonathan Sullivan, assistant professor at the University of Arizona and co-author of the study, emphasizes the need to manage and adapt to floods caused by various factors, such as changes in climate and development. The study provides valuable insights into the long-lasting impacts of floods on public health, beyond the immediate aftermath of major events like hurricanes.
This research adds to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of climate change, health, and natural disasters. By understanding the complex relationships between floods and mortality, public health agencies can develop more effective strategies to protect communities from the health risks associated with flooding.
