The far-reaching impact of floods

LETTERS: Since the early 1920s, floods have been one of Malaysia's most common natural disasters.

It used to be restricted to the city centre with flash floods occurring at irregular intervals.

States on the east coast have been severely impacted by enormous development and expansion in recent years.

Kuala Lumpur has also been hit at times. Various agencies have been involved in flood mitigation and preparedness.

The floods have a variety of effects, depending on the socio-economic level, occupation, gender, region, age and ethnicity.

Poorer communities are hit harder by the loss of revenue caused by the destruction of livelihoods and the inability to work during and after the floods.

The loss of assets and property for both homes and companies is another effect of flooding.

Depending on their socio-economic status, communities are able to mitigate the effects on property.

Through a variety of inventive methods and social support, poorer communities demonstrate resilience and adaptation.

Poorer towns, on the other hand, have a higher rate of property loss than the wealthier communities. Wealthier members are able to put in place infrastructure such as water tanks and glass walls to safeguard their homes from flooding.

On another impact, increase in mosquito-borne diseases, mainly dengue and malaria, also causes mental and physical health problems, which are considered serious by all populations. Death and injuries, diseases brought on by a lack of clean water and sanitation such as diarrhoea, anxiety, stress and depression and rain phobia that causes insomnia during periods of heavy rain are other possible impacts of floods.

Damage to public infrastructure impacts a much larger percentage of the population than those whose homes or businesses are directly flooded.

Flood damage to roads, rail networks and critical transportation hubs like maritime ports, in particular, can have a big impact on the regional and national economy.

Following a flood, there are frequently short-term declines in regional tourism.

While the impact on tourism infrastructure and the time required to return to full operational capacity may be minor, photographs of flood-affected areas frequently result in booking cancellations and a considerable fall in tourist numbers.

Many of our coastal resources, such as fish and other forms of marine production, rely on nutrients delivered by floods from the land.

Floodwaters have a negative impact on coastal marine environments because they introduce excess sediment and nutrients, as well as pollutants, including chemicals, heavy metals and trash.

These have the potential to harm aquatic habitats, diminish coastal production and contaminate coastal food resources.

In conclusion, floods, especially the latest that hit Malaysia, will have impacted all levels of society, the economy and environment.

DR VIMALAH DEVI GENGATHURAI

Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University


The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times

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