A recent study published in BMC Medicine revealed the alarming impact of flooding on mortality outcomes.
Analyzing data from almost half a million participants registered with the UK Biobank, it was found that long-term exposure to flooding had different effects on different causes of death and significantly increased the risk of death.
Using data from the Dartmouth Flood Service from 2000 to 2020, researchers examined flood and mortality rates among people aged between 37 and 73.
The study found that for every unit of exposure to flooding, the probability of dying from all causes increased by 6.7%.
However, studies have found that flooding is associated with a greater risk of death from several causes, including neurodegenerative disorders, neoplasms, respiratory, suicide, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, and digestive disorders.
The results show that some groups are vulnerable to flood-related deaths.
At the same time, people with higher levels of education and income were found to be at greater risk for most causes of death.
Specific groups, such as obese people living in deprived areas and with low physical activity, are at increased risk of suicide-related mortality.
Interestingly, the study found gender and age differences in mortality, with women under 64 having a greater risk of death from certain causes, such as respiratory diseases and cancer, but a lower risk of mental and digestive disorders.
In light of these findings, researchers emphasized the importance of public health measures to reduce the health effects of floods.
