10 potential health effects caused by flash floods in Dubai

People can be injured by the force of moving water, debris carried by floodwaters, or by falls caused by slippery surfaces.

Flash floods can catch people off guard, especially in low-lying areas or in moving vehicles.

Floodwater can become contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and other harmful substances. This can lead to a variety of illnesses, including gastrointestinal infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections.

Stagnant floodwater can create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and West Nile virus.

Flash floods can be a very stressful experience. People may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a flood.

Mold can grow in damp buildings after a flood. Inhaling mold spores can trigger respiratory problems in some people.

 Floodwaters can mix with pool chemicals, lead paint or other hazardous materials, increasing the risk of chemical poisoning if ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Foodborne illness can occur if floodwater contaminates food supplies or if food is not properly refrigerated due to power outages.

 Following a flood, temperatures can rise quickly, especially without air conditioning due to power outages. This can lead to heatstroke, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and young children.

Rodents and other pests may be displaced by floodwaters and move into homes or other buildings, increasing the risk of bites and the spread of diseases they carry.