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5 Health Impacts Caused By Cyclones

Dr. Sreelekha Daruvuri

3 Min Read

Parts of India have been hit by intense weather conditions along with damaging cyclones. While the loss of lives and property is a grim reminder of the force of such natural disasters, there are more insidious consequences to such calamities. We are talking about how such disasters take their toll on the health of residents of an affected region. This storm will have far-reaching effects on health.

In order to be better prepared for the aftermath of this event, we need to take a look at what these health consequences can be.

Contamination of water

impact of cyclone-contamination of water

Studies conducted on the effects of cyclones indicate bacterial pollution of drinking water and turbidity. Added to this, mixing of faecal matter, debris and soil affect the waters in cyclone-hit areas causing water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.

Rise in communicable diseases

impact of cyclone-diseases

A typhoon causes a significant rise in the spread of communicable diseases such as infectious diarrhoea and bacillary dysentery to cause loss of lives. Water-clogging that takes place after the disaster also leads to an increase in vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya among others. There is also a chance of an increase in cases of skin infections.

Effect on non-communicable diseases

Due to healthcare services and resources taking a hit during such events, treatment and management of chronic or non-communicable diseases gets disrupted and causes loss of lives. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease require constant medical attention and services. The disorder brought into healthcare services by such cyclones makes it difficult for such patients to manage their conditions effectively.

impact of cyclone-effect of diseases

Shortage of food

Destruction of supply-chains and logistics causes absence or sheer shortage of food and other vital resources. This can, in the long run, lead to malnutrition, causing stress on the health of infants and the elderly. There is a chance of child-mortality rates going up in the near future due to this.

impact of cyclone-food shortage

Mental health effects

The loss of lives, property and livelihood inflicts short-term and long-term trauma to mental health. This has the potential to delay the return of normalcy and reduce the effects of rehabilitation measures.

impact of cyclone-mental health effects

While thoughts and prayers are with the ones facing consequences, they are not enough to cope with the destruction caused by the devastating weather conditions. Should you need any guidance if you fall ill after harsh weather conditions such as a cyclone, consulting a doctor would be the right thing to do. In time of stress, it’s hard to take care of one’s health, but you can download the MFine app and consult from the safety of your own home.