Title: Health and Socio-economic Consequences of Flood Disaster in Nigeria- 2012

INTRODUCTION: Flood is large volumes of water which arrives at and occupies the stream channel and its flood plain in a time too short to prevent damage to economic activities including homes. Flood disasters are not uncommon in Nigeria and often occur in very destructive magnitude. We conducted this study to assess the socio-economic and health consequences of this natural disaster in affected communities.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of the State Emergency Management officers of the 29 affected States in 2012 flood. Semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on number of health facilities affected, number of collapsed buildings, number of displaced persons, number of camps and number of deaths, water and sanitation status, injury and illness reported, public health intervention received by the victims and perceived level of preparedness for future flood occurrence using non-parametric scale of 1-10. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, 2007

RESULTS: The highest proportion of internally displaced persons was in Balyesa State ((25.3%). 12 States reported incidence of collapsed buildings (houses, shops and schools) 13states (49%) reported mortalities in their camps with a total of 170deaths.There were high incidence of diseases like Upper respiratory tract infections (70%), Malaria (42%)  Gastroenteritis (23%) and traumatic injuries like snake bites (3%). Different types of health facilities were damaged by the flood with Southwest and Southeast having highest proportion of damage (72 and 82%) respectively. 26 states (89%) had no access to potable water and sanitation during the flood, (52%) stated that there was inflation of price of goods in the camps. 13(49%) had relief materials (food items and beddings) distributed in the camps. 17(59%)  State officers perceived their level of preparedness as inadequate.

CONCLUSIONS: The flood affected health and socio-economic status of people in the affected communities. There is need for public awareness campaign against building houses in flood prone areas. Strengthening of the Emergency Management Agency with appropriate and adequate material and human resources to prepare against future occurrence of flood in Nigeria.