Impact of recent climatic disaster on socioeconomic and health status of people residing in flood-stricken areas of Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The occurrence of severe weather events and climate-related calamities, such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, is escalating on a global scale. This article examines the effects of the recent flood in Pakistan on the socioeconomic and health conditions of the population residing in the country. Methodology: The chosen approach for conducting this study is the methodology. A survey was done on a sample of 811 individuals from three districts in Pakistan following a flood event. The survey encompassed a wide range of questions aimed at investigating the biopsychosocial dimensions of the impacted community. The data was obtained using a validated questionnaire and afterwards analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Findings: The analysis of our survey revealed noteworthy rises in problematic biopsychosocial indicators within the surveyed regions of Pakistan. Specifically, 40% of the population experienced homelessness, while the proportion of individuals with a low income decreased by 9% and those with a moderate income decreased by 22%. Furthermore, it was found that 48.7% of the participants experienced a loss of income as a direct consequence of the flood events. Moreover, a significant increase was observed in the proportion of individuals reporting some form of disease or disability since the flooding, with 83.4% of the subjects affected compared to the previous rate of 16.4%. Additionally, a substantial majority of 92.8% expressed the belief that the floods had adversely impacted the health and sanitation conditions within their locality. Significantly, a notable proportion of participants (22.6%) reported encountering challenges in obtaining food subsequent to flooding, as opposed to the pre-flood period. Additionally, a substantial majority of respondents (59.9%) indicated a lack of knowledge on appropriate evacuation procedures specific to their locality prior to the occurrence of floods. Conclusion Pakistan has frequent flooding and other natural disasters. Current data suggests the country's ability to manage and mitigate environmental stressors is poor. Our study found that the floods hindered access to food, healthcare, and property for low-income people. Without proper finances and healthcare, people are more susceptible to chronic lung disease, diabetes, and heart disease. To help a community like Pakistan recover from an environmental disaster, infrastructural, nutritional, and medical aid is crucial.