PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF THE 2024 FLOODING INCIDENCE IN VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Although the media often focuses on catastrophic disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes, floods are actually the most common type of disaster caused by natural or technological hazards. In fact, floods account for 40-50% of all disasters and disaster-related deaths worldwide (Bruno et al., 2020).One to three Based on statistics from the EM-DAT database, floods (excluding tsunamis) constituted 38.7% of all events, resulting in 6.2% of the total deaths and affecting 43.0% of the global population impacted by natural disasters between 2000 and 2009 (Khalifa, 2018). The rate at which the flood occurs is the primary determinant of the number of deaths caused by the flood.  

Floods are the predominant peril responsible for calamities and have resulted in widespread illness and death globally. The influence of floods on the human population is closely linked to the geographical position and terrain of the place, as well as the demographic and structural features of the built environment. Floods often take front stage in the news coverage of local, national, and global media. The majority of the tales focus on little accidents that cause small damage and are soon forgotten, save by those who are most directly affected (Gobo, 2018). However, there have been other occurrences that involve major disasters leading to loss of life and considerable destruction of property. 

Floods are characterised as the situation that arises when water surpasses the normal boundaries of a stream, river, or any other water body, or when it gathers in low-lying areas due to drainage (Jamal et al., 2019). Floods result from precipitation, such as rainfall, the thawing of snow or ice, or the collapse of water-containing structures, especially underground structures. The magnitude and scope of the flood are influenced by the geographical location, terrain, and the man-made structures in the area (Tomas, 2020). Floods have a direct impact on the human population when people come into touch with the water. They also have an indirect impact by causing harm to both the natural and human-made surroundings. Even little, confined floods can greatly affect individuals' physical and psychological well-being (Park et al., 2017). A study conducted by Chen et al. (2019) discovered that individuals whose homes had experienced flooding were four times more likely to have illnesses compared to those whose homes were not affected by flooding. The frequency of floods is not only rising, but the process of expanding urbanisation is also leading to a greater number of people being exposed to floods. Furthermore, it is forecasted that global warming will influence the occurrence of floods on a global scale.

The health impacts of floods can be broadly classified as either direct or indirect. Direct consequences refer to the immediate effects that occur as a result of direct contact with water and the flooded surroundings. These effects include drowning, injuries caused by debris, chemical poisoning, and hypothermia (Chen et al., 2019).  Indirect repercussions refer to the dangers that arise from the harm caused by water to both the natural and constructed environment. These risks encompass infectious diseases, hunger, poverty-related diseases, and diseases that are linked to displaced populations (Chen et al., 2019).  The health impacts of floods can be categorised based on their duration as immediate, intermediate, and long-term. The terms in question lack a precise definition and, in fact, exhibit overlapping characteristics in various aspects (Arjun et al., 2024). The effective management of health effects caused by floods relies on a comprehensive understanding of the associated health hazards and the ability of the healthcare system to mitigate or address them (Wahab et al., 2024).  Each flood is distinct due to the varying social, demographic, economic, and population health aspects of the afflicted regions. However, there are other parallels, and understanding the reasons behind fatalities, as well as the various injuries and illnesses caused by floods, is crucial for effectively managing health and emergency medical assistance (Wahab et al., 2024).

Flooding is a repetitive natural calamity that presents substantial hazards to public health, especially in densely populated urban regions with insufficient infrastructure. In 2024, Victoria Island in Lagos State encountered a significant inundation event that caused substantial destruction and brought attention to pressing public health issues. The flooding catastrophe that occurred in Victoria Island in 2024 was marked by intense and sustained precipitation, which resulted in the overpowering of the preexisting drainage systems. The flooding that resulted from the event flooded houses, businesses, and key infrastructure, making the public health issue worse (Abayomi, 2024). The flooding catastrophe exposed various inadequacies in urban design, infrastructural resilience, and emergency preparedness, all of which exacerbated the public health consequences (Kunle & Emenike, 2024). Victoria Island, located in Lagos State, is a prominent hub for both business and residential activities. It is renowned for its economic importance and dense population. Due to its low-lying coastal environment, the area is highly susceptible to floods, particularly during periods of intense rainfall and increasing sea levels. The 2024 flooding disaster in Victoria Island was intensified by a confluence of natural and human-induced variables, encompassing climate change, insufficient drainage infrastructure, and urbanisation. This study aims to examine the Public Health consequences of the 2024 flooding incident in Victoria Island, Lagos state.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Nigeria is presently grappling with a dire environmental crisis characterised by widespread floods, which is exerting a profound impact on the nation's social and economic framework. In 2024, Nigeria experienced frequent and severe flooding catastrophes that exacerbated the vulnerabilities of populations around the country. This study seeks to understand the social and economic consequences of periodic flood events on the most vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

A study has demonstrated that a significant worry that arises immediately after flooding is the increased susceptibility to waterborne illnesses (Shonekan et al., 2023). Contaminated floodwaters have the potential to transport dangerous germs, which can result in the transmission of diseases including gastroenteritis. The overflow of sewage systems and the contamination of drinking water sources facilitate the proliferation of these diseases, intensifying the public health risk (Lanre et al., 2022). Habeeb (2024) supports the claim that flooding in Lagos has adverse effects on human health. This is primarily due to the pollution of water bodies and the subsequent rise in waterborne diseases such as malaria, cholera, typhoid, yellow fever, diarrhoea, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A (Echendu, 2020; Olanrewaju et al., 2019). The persistent discharge of untreated sewage and trash into the environment has resulted in the contamination of wells and boreholes used for household water supply in Lagos. This further worsens the scarcity of clean water in the area (Olanrewaju et al., 2019; Atufu & Holt, 2018; Anabaraonye et al., 2021).

Floods not only have a detrimental impact on physical health, but also on emotional well-being. The occurrence of natural disasters leads to increased stress, anxiety, and depression among persons who experience displacement, property loss, and trauma (Ene et al., 2022). Akpan (2024) states that floods might worsen respiratory issues, particularly in susceptible populations. Exposure to mould, allergens caused by dampness, and the emission of airborne pollutants from flooded areas can provoke or exacerbate respiratory problems, resulting in a rise in respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis. Ayo (2024) asserts that floods have the potential to impede the regular operation of healthcare systems, hence posing difficulties for individuals in immediately accessing medical care. The difficulty in providing necessary healthcare services during and after flooding events are exacerbated by infrastructure damage, transportation issues, and overcrowded medical institutions. To mitigate the negative health effects of the 2024 flooding incident in Victoria Island, Lagos State, officials should immediately and efficiently address these public health problems. This would also help to strengthen the community's ability to withstand future natural catastrophes. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically analyse the Public Health implications of the 2024 flooding incidence in Victoria Island, Lagos state. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To investigate the prevalence of waterborne and vector-borne diseases following the 2024 flooding.

To evaluate the impact of flooding on the mental health of affected residents of Victoria island.

To examine the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in responding to the flooding event.

To suggest measures to enhance the resilience of healthcare infrastructure and services in flood-prone areas.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What is the level of prevalence of waterborne and vector-borne diseases following the 2024 flooding?

What is the impact of flooding on the mental health of affected residents of Victoria island?

What are the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in responding to the flooding event?

What are the measures to enhance the resilience of healthcare infrastructure and services in flood-prone areas?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses will validate this study;

Ho: The level of prevalence of waterborne and vector-borne diseases following the 2024 flooding is low.

Ha: The level of prevalence of waterborne and vector-borne diseases following the 2024 flooding is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the public health consequences of floods is essential in order to formulate efficient methods for preparedness and response. This study will offer vital information to public health authorities, policymakers, and emergency response planners, enabling them to improve the resilience of populations in Victoria Island and other regions prone to flooding. The results will guide the creation of extensive public health measures to alleviate the effects of upcoming flooding incidents and safeguard the welfare of susceptible communities.

The study's findings can provide valuable insights for the formulation of policies and recommendations that aim to enhance urban design, bolster infrastructure resilience, and optimise disaster management tactics. This include zoning rules, construction codes, and environmental health standards aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of flooding on public health. Analysing the public health ramifications allows authorities to enhance their readiness for future flooding occurrences. The text emphasises the essential emergency response procedures, such as healthcare provision, evacuation protocols, and disease surveillance, that are important to effectively reduce health hazards.

Moreover, upcoming scholars will utilise it as a thorough examination of the current academic literature. Consequently, students who are eager to pursue this field of study can confidently depend on this work as a reliable and meticulously evaluated source of information.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically analyse the Public Health implications of the 2024 flooding incidence in Nigeria. Specifically, this study seeks to Investigate the prevalence of waterborne and vector-borne diseases following the 2024 flooding and evaluate the impact of flooding on the mental health of affected Nigerians. Further, this study will focus on examining the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in responding to the flooding event and it also seeks to suggest measures to enhance the resilience of healthcare infrastructure and services in flood-prone areas.

The study us carried out in Victoria island, Lagos state.

1.8 Limitations of the study

As is common in all human endeavors, the researchers faced minor limitations when conducting the study. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, as there is limited data available for Public Health implications of the 2024 flooding incidence in Victoria Island, Lagos state. Consequently, a significant amount of time and effort was necessary to locate the appropriate materials, books, or information and to gather data. 

Additionally, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focusing just on Victoria island, Lagos. Consequently, the results of this study are not applicable for generalization, thereby leaving room for further research. 

Additionally, the researcher's limitations were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student and do not have a source of income to sustain themselves. It was challenging to afford transportation expenses to and from the study location due to the high cost of transportation, which is influenced by inflation in Nigeria today.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while also fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Flood: Flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. The inundation of a normally dry area caused by rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch. Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell. Flooding is a longer term event than flash flooding: it may last days or weeks.

Water borne disease: Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by microscopic organisms, like viruses and bacteria, that are ingested through contaminated water or by coming in contact with feces.

Vector borne disease: Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding anthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria.