why eastern region always suffer with floods and what kind of disease & infection infect they ...

 why eastern region always suffer with floods and what kind of disease & infection infect they ...

Floods are one of the most destructive natural disasters, and the eastern region of India experiences them almost every year. States like Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, and parts of Odisha are highly vulnerable to flooding due to their geography, climate, and river systems. These floods not only damage crops, property, and infrastructure but also trigger severe health challenges. People in flood-hit areas often struggle with waterborne diseases, infections, and vector-borne illnesses that spread rapidly after such disasters.

In this article, we will explore why floods frequently occur in the eastern region and what types of diseases and infections affect people afterward.

Why Does the Eastern Region Always Suffer from Floods?

Floods in the eastern region are not new; they have been a recurring problem for decades. Several natural and human-made factors contribute to this disaster.

1. River Systems and Heavy Rainfall

The eastern states lie in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin, one of the world’s largest river systems. During the monsoon, heavy rainfall causes rivers like the Brahmaputra, Ganga, and their tributaries to overflow, submerging large areas.

2. Himalayan Runoff and Glacial Melting

Snowmelt from the Himalayas adds massive volumes of water to the rivers flowing into eastern India. With climate change increasing glacial melting, the risk of floods has become even higher.

3. Low-Lying Topography

Much of the eastern region consists of low-lying plains, which makes it easier for floodwaters to spread widely. Poor drainage systems worsen the situation.

4. Deforestation and Soil Erosion

Rapid deforestation in the hilly areas increases soil erosion, reducing the capacity of riverbanks to contain water. This contributes to frequent riverbank breaches.

5. Poor Infrastructure and Encroachments

Unplanned construction, weak embankments, and encroachments on riverbeds reduce natural water flow, increasing the chances of flooding.

6. Climate Change and Erratic Monsoons

Climate change has intensified monsoon patterns. The eastern region receives excessive rainfall in short periods, overwhelming rivers and leading to flash floods.

In short: The combination of heavy rains, large river systems, fragile geography, and poor infrastructure makes floods almost inevitable in the eastern region every year.

Diseases and Infections After Floods in the Eastern Region

Floods not only destroy homes and crops but also bring severe public health crises. Stagnant water, poor sanitation, and overcrowded shelters create ideal conditions for the spread of diseases.

Here are the most common diseases and infections caused by floods in the eastern region:

1. Waterborne Diseases

Floodwaters mix with sewage and pollutants, contaminating drinking water. People forced to use unsafe water sources are highly vulnerable to:

• Cholera – Caused by contaminated water and food, it leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration.
• Typhoid – Spread through contaminated water and food, typhoid causes high fever, weakness, and abdominal pain.
• Hepatitis A and E – These viral infections spread through polluted water, damaging the liver and causing jaundice.
• Diarrhea and Dysentery – Very common after floods, especially among children, leading to dehydration and malnutrition.

2. Vector-Borne Diseases

• Stagnant floodwater becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing cases of:
• Malaria – Spread by the Anopheles mosquito, common in flood-affected rural areas.
• Dengue – Spread by the Aedes mosquito, causing high fever, joint pain, and bleeding complications.
• Chikungunya – Another mosquito-borne disease that causes severe joint pain and fever.
• Japanese Encephalitis – Common in Assam and eastern states, spread by mosquitoes breeding in paddy fields and floodwaters.

3. Skin and Fungal Infections

People often stay in waterlogged conditions for days, leading to:

• Athlete’s foot and fungal infections – Due to prolonged wet conditions.
• Leptospirosis – Caused by bacteria found in water contaminated with animal urine. It leads to fever, muscle pain, and kidney damage.
• Cellulitis – A bacterial skin infection that spreads through cuts and wounds exposed to floodwater.

4. Respiratory Infections

Crowded relief camps and damp environments increase the risk of:

• Pneumonia and Bronchitis – Especially among children and elderly people.
• Tuberculosis flare-ups – Due to weakened immunity and overcrowding.
• Asthma attacks – Triggered by dampness, pollution, and poor shelter conditions.

5. Mental Health Issues

Though often ignored, floods also cause stress, depression, and anxiety due to loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. Prolonged displacement and uncertainty worsen the mental health crisis.

Preventive Measures to Control Diseases After Floods

To reduce the health risks caused by floods, strong preventive steps are needed:

• Clean Drinking Water: Provide water purification tablets, boiling methods, and filtration systems.
• Hygiene Awareness: Educate people about handwashing, food safety, and sanitation.
• Medical Camps: Set up mobile health clinics in affected areas for quick diagnosis and treatment.
• Mosquito Control: Distribute mosquito nets, repellents, and spray insecticides in stagnant water areas.
• Vaccination Drives: Promote vaccines for cholera, hepatitis, and Japanese encephalitis in vulnerable zones.
• Relief Camps: Ensure proper ventilation, space, and sanitation in temporary shelters.
• Mental Health Support: Provide counseling and support programs for affected families.

Conclusion

The eastern region of India suffers from floods almost every year due to its geographical features, river systems, and climatic conditions. While floods damage infrastructure and crops, their impact on public health is even more devastating. Waterborne diseases, vector-borne infections, respiratory problems, and mental health issues follow in their wake, creating a long-term crisis.

Strong disaster management, better infrastructure, preventive healthcare, and awareness programs can reduce the devastating effects of floods and protect vulnerable communities. Addressing both environmental challenges and health risks is the only way to safeguard millions of lives in the eastern region.