Navigating a 'perfect storm' once again

Infrastructure damage from flooding goes beyond the furniture as there are long-term health issues that persist even after the floodwaters recede. — Photos: Filepic

Water, water, every where,

And all the boards did shrink;

Water, water, every where,

Nor any drop to drink. – from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

It is an unfortunate fact that we will likely be dealing with flooding over the next few months.

Lives will be affected, some fatally, and there will be recriminations across the political sphere before the urgency of the situation wears off and we repeat the cycle next year.

Beyond the pictures and videos that go viral, the disruptions occur at multiple levels.

The convergence of climate change, rapid poorly-planned urbanisation and flooding also poses a significant threat to public health.

Flooding and climate change

The Anthropocene Epoch (an unofficial unit of geologic time, used to describe the most recent period in Earth's history when human activity started to have a significant impact on the planet's climate and ecosystems) is believed to be driving climate change, which in turn intensifies the frequency and severity of flooding.

Rising global temperatures contribute to the melting of polar ice caps, leading to increased sea levels.

Additionally, altered weather patterns result in erratic rainfall, causing prolonged droughts followed by intense, torrential rains.

These climatic shifts significantly escalate the risk of flooding, affecting both urban and coastal areas.

This exacerbates the challenges we face, disrupting lives, economies, and public health infrastructures.

Poor urban planning

Urbanisation, often spurred by population growth and economic opportunities, brings multiple challenges in terms of infrastructure and land use planning. Rapid urban expansion leads to the depletion of natural resources, deforestation and the conversion of permeable land into concrete landscapes.

The absence of proper urban planning (such as inadequate drainage systems), encroachment on water bodies and wetlands, and unplanned construction and land use, exacerbate flooding risks.

Urban areas become vulnerable to sudden and severe flooding, resulting in widespread damage to property, displacement of residents, and, once again, adversely impacts public health.

Public health

There are various repercussions of flooding on public health.

Contaminated flood waters become breeding grounds for waterborne diseases, leading to outbreaks such as cholera and dysentery.

Those brown waters carry the potential for various infections, ranging from the mild, like conjunctivitis, to the potentially serious, like cholera and leptospirosis.

The stagnation of water in urban areas creates favourable conditions for mosquitoes, increasing the prevalence of vector-borne diseases like dengue fever.

To worsen matters, flooding disrupts healthcare services.

This makes it challenging for people to access medical care, medications and emergency services at a time they need it the most.

Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions face elevated risks, leading to increased hospitalisations and, tragically, loss of life.

The vicious cycle

Flooding, climate change, urbanisation and public health forms a vicious cycle.

Poorly planned urban areas are ill-equipped to handle the impacts of climate change, amplifying the risk of flooding.

The resulting public health crises strain healthcare systems, diverting resources that could otherwise be used for preventive care and health promotion.

Overwhelmed healthcare facilities struggle to address the immediate health needs of affected populations, often leading to long-term health issues that persist even after the floodwaters recede.

Infrastructure damage goes beyond the furniture and medical equipment, but also includes paper-based medical records.

Are we prepared?

Almost RM12 billion has been set aside by our prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Budget 2024 for 33 high-priority flood mitigation projects.

Another RM300 million will be channelled to the Natural Disaster Management Agency, including RM100 million for flood mitigation while RM200 million will be given to the National Disaster Aid Fund to set up nine permanent flood relief centres and for toilets, bathrooms and stores at 1,500 temporary relief centres.

These interventions address the short-term challenges, but more can and should be done to reduce long-term impacts of flooding. Urban planners, policymakers and communities must work together to create resilient cities.

Investments in sustainable urban infrastructure, such as well-designed drainage systems, green spaces, and flood-resistant buildings, are paramount.

Zoning regulations and land use planning must be enforced to prevent construction in flood-prone areas.

Additionally, raising public awareness about climate change, disaster preparedness and health precautions during flooding events is essential.

Internationally, cooperation and knowledge play a crucial role in building resilience.

Global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change are essential in preventing the escalation of extreme weather events, thereby decreasing the frequency and intensity of flooding.

Dr Helmy Haja Mydin is a consultant lung specialist, CEO of the Social & Economic Research Initiative and a Special Advisor to the Health Minister. For further information, email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.