Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters in Africa and other parts of the world, but the danger does not end when the water rises. One of the most overlooked risks is walking through floodwater, which often carries life threatening diseases and contaminants.
What looks like ordinary dirty water is usually a mixture of sewage, waste, chemicals, dead animals, and bacteria. Health experts warn that even brief exposure can lead to serious infections, especially in areas with poor sanitation and weak drainage systems.
What makes floodwater dangerous
Floodwater is rarely clean. As it moves through streets and homes, it picks up human waste, industrial discharge, fuel leaks, and garbage from drainage systems. In many urban areas, blocked drains and open defecation worsen contamination.
The World Health Organisation WHO has repeatedly warned that flooding increases the spread of infectious diseases, especially in developing countries where access to clean water is limited.
Even small cuts on the skin can serve as entry points for harmful organisms found in floodwater.
Major diseases linked to floodwater exposure
Cholera
Cholera is one of the most dangerous diseases associated with flooding. It spreads through water contaminated with faeces containing Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
According to WHO data, cholera still causes thousands of deaths globally every year, with Africa recording significant outbreaks during rainy seasons and floods.
The disease can kill within hours if untreated due to severe dehydration.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is another major risk. It spreads through water contaminated by urine from infected animals, especially rats.
Symptoms include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and in severe cases, kidney or liver failure. Studies show that outbreaks often rise after heavy flooding in tropical regions.
Typhoid and Hepatitis
Floodwater can also contaminate drinking sources, leading to typhoid fever and hepatitis A and E infections. These diseases spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water and can lead to long term health complications if untreated.
Injuries and other health risks
Beyond infections, floodwater hides physical dangers. Broken glass, metal scraps, and sharp debris can cause deep wounds. In some cases, displaced snakes and animals increase the risk of bites.
Electrocution is also possible when live electrical wires come into contact with water, making flooded streets extremely dangerous.
Nigeria’s recurring flood challenge
Nigeria experiences seasonal flooding almost every year. According to the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, millions of people are affected annually, with outbreaks of cholera and other diseases frequently reported after major floods.
Poor drainage systems, rapid urbanisation, and climate change continue to worsen the situation.
Why people still walk through floodwater
Despite repeated warnings, many people still walk through floodwater due to lack of alternatives, poor infrastructure, or urgency to move through affected areas. In some cases, residents underestimate the health risks involved.
Health experts say awareness remains low in many communities, increasing exposure to preventable diseases.
Experts recommend avoiding floodwater completely whenever possible. Other safety steps include using protective footwear, boiling drinking water, washing exposed skin immediately after contact, and seeking medical attention if symptoms appear after exposure.
Floodwater is not just dirty water. It is a dangerous mix of disease causing organisms and hazardous materials that can threaten lives within days. Public awareness and better infrastructure remain key to reducing these risks.
ALSO READ: Open Drainage Systems and Disease Spread: Why Flooded Streets Increase Infection Risks
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