Listen to Story In the wee hours of July 30, 2024, two landslides disrupted the otherwise quiet and idyllic Wayanad town in Kerala. Two settlements were wiped out, over 300 killed, with hundreds still missing and many left homeless. The disaster was so devastating that the government had to list not just the bodies found, but also the body parts recovered.
While hundreds were swept away, carried off by the raging floodwaters, those who survived the heavy rains and landslides faced even more danger from the destruction left behind. The danger of the outbreak of diseases. THE THREAT OF AN OUTBREAK A large-scale public tragedy like this leads to medical ramifications and requires proactive planning.
Unchecked infectious diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, and other waterborne illnesses could overwhelm a community already reeling from disaster. Taking swift action is essential. Without it, the area could face yet another devastating public health crisis.
In 2010, the Haiti earthquake was followed by an outbreak of cholera months later. The disease spread rapidly due to poor sanitation, contaminated water, and the displacement of over 1 million people. The disaster was so devastating that the government had to list not just the bodies found, but also the body parts recovered.
(Photo: PTI) This cholera outbreak, which had not been seen in Haiti for over a century, claimed thousands of lives and compounded the suffering of a nation already grappling with the devastation caused by the earthquake. After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which severely affected countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India, there were significant outbreaks of infectious diseases . In Aceh, Indonesia, in particular, there were widespread concerns about diseases such as dysentery, cholera, and other waterborne illnesses due to the contamination of water supplies and the destruction of sanitation infrastructure.
The tsunami displaced millions of people, leading to overcrowded conditions in temporary shelters, which further exacerbated the spread of these diseases. As per WHO researchers , "The risk for outbreaks is often presumed to be very high in the chaos that follows natural disasters, a fear likely derived from a perceived association between dead bodies and epidemics. However, the risk factors for outbreaks after disasters are associated primarily with population displacement.
" RISK ASSESSMENT CRITICAL The rise in endemic diseases and the potential for outbreaks depend on various factors that require thorough evaluation through a comprehensive risk assessment. The aftermath of the Wayanad landslides in Kerala. (Photo: PTI) Overcrowding is a major factor that raises the risk of infectious diseases in a disaster-hit region.
In Wayanad relief camps, where hundreds of people were staying together, has a high risk of leptospirosis, gastrointestinal infections, diarrhoeal diseases, Hepatitis A, chickenpox and dengue fever. There are several risk factors associated with disease outbreaks following disasters: food insecurity, lack of clean water, poor sanitation, alteration in vectors' distribution, housing and shelter issues, limited access to healthcare services, population displacement, and disruptions in basic infrastructure and transportation networks. WATER-BORNE DISEASES Contaminated water and food, respiratory issues, vector-borne diseases, and wound infections are some of the most common communicable diseases following a disaster, depending on the type of disaster and the infrastructure in the impacted region.
In the case of landslides, large pools of stagnant water are formed that damage infrastructure, leading to a shortage of clean water and proper sanitation. This can force people to drink untreated or contaminated water, which can result in illnesses like cholera. During floods, cases of leptospirosis rise.
According to a study published this year , Indian researchers found that cases of leptospirosis were reported manifold after flood events in Kerala both in 2018 and 2019. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that spreads through the urine of infected animals. It causes high fever, red eyes, muscle aches, headache, chills and vomiting.
Contaminated water and food, respiratory issues, vector-borne diseases, and wound infections are some of the most common communicable diseases following a disaster. (Photo: Getty Images) Dr Rishikesh Dessai, Consultant, Department of Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, told IndiaToday.in that natural disasters have a grave effect on public health.
Contaminated Water Supply: Floods and tsunamis can contaminate drinking water sources with pathogens. This can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Poor Sanitation: Disasters can disrupt sanitation infrastructure, leading to inadequate waste disposal and increased risk of diseases spread through faecal contamination, such as hepatitis A and E.
Overcrowding: Displaced populations living in temporary shelters or crowded conditions are at higher risk for respiratory infections, such as influenza, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Vector-borne Diseases: The stagnant water left by floods can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Disruption of Health Services: Damage to healthcare facilities and supply chains can limit access to vaccines, medications, and medical care, exacerbating the spread of diseases and making it harder to manage outbreaks.
Injuries and Wounds: Physical injuries sustained during a disaster can become infected if proper medical care is not available, potentially leading to complications like tetanus or sepsis. HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF SAFE? Staying safe after a natural disaster and the subsequent outbreak of diseases requires a combination of personal precautions and community actions. Dr Dessai said that one should beware when drinking water.
Bottle water should be preferred. Avoid Contaminated Water and Food: Drink only bottled or boiled water. If you must use tap water, ensure it's been treated or purified.
Avoid eating food that may have been contaminated, particularly if it’s been exposed to floodwaters or is from unreliable sources. If you must use tap water, ensure it's been treated or purified. (Photo: Getty Images) Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet.
Use hand sanitisers if soap and water are not available. Ensure Proper Sanitation: Use sanitation facilities properly. If these are unavailable, use makeshift toilets and ensure they are kept clean.
Dispose of waste properly to avoid contamination of the environment. Protect Yourself from Insects: Use insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites, especially if you're in an area with standing water. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce skin exposure.
As per WHO, use long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) in areas where their use is well-known and accepted. Manage and Care for Injuries: Clean and dress wounds promptly and properly to prevent infection. Seek medical attention for any serious injuries or persistent infections.
Stay Informed and Follow Guidelines: Pay attention to public health advisories and follow instructions from local authorities and health officials. Get vaccinated, if vaccines are recommended or available in the aftermath of the disaster. MENTAL HEALTH IS A PRIORITY One major need to address is the possibility of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Victims of a natural disaster or any related traumatic experience can develop acute stress which could persist for around a month. During the 2018 Kerala floods, school children experienced ringing or booming sounds in their ears or felt sudden shocks while in class. Some were found crying loudly, haunted by visions of landslides or their homes suddenly collapsing, a mental health professional who attended such children told The Hindu.
Victims of a natural disaster or any related traumatic experience can develop acute stress which could persist for around a month. (Photo: AFP) In the recent landslide tragedy, the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists, Kerala Region, is offering one-on-one counselling sessions and over the phone at relief camps in the affected places. Addressing mental health after the disaster, a 121-member team of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric social workers and counsellors were formed to help people cope with the tragedy and the loss of loved ones .
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, ensuring safety requires personal vigilance and community effort. Start by prioritising clean water, maintaining hygiene, protecting yourself from insect-borne diseases, treating wounds immediately to avoid infections, and staying informed about advisories and vaccination guidelines. Finally, don't overlook mental health, seek support if you or others experience trauma-related stress, as it’s crucial to address emotional well-being along with physical safety.
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