Impacts of Floods on Health and Healthcare Systems in Asian Countries: A Comprehensive Analysis of Direct and Indirect Health Consequences, Economic Burden, and Healthcare Infrastructure Vulnerability

Abstract

Floods represent one of the most devastating natural disasters globally, with Asian countries experiencing disproportionate impacts due to geographic vulnerability, monsoon patterns, and high population density. This comprehensive review examines the multifaceted impacts of floods on health and healthcare systems across Asian nations, with particular emphasis on direct health consequences, healthcare infrastructure damage, economic burden, and long-term health implications. Our analysis reveals that floods contribute to approximately 40% of all natural disasters in the region, affecting over 50 million people annually and causing substantial morbidity and mortality through waterborne diseases, injuries, and disruption of healthcare services. The economic burden of flood-related health impacts reaches billions of dollars annually, with India alone experiencing recovery costs exceeding ₹29,000 crores (US$ 3.5 billion) for recent major flooding events. This study synthesizes current evidence on flood-health relationships in Asia, identifies vulnerable populations, analyzes healthcare system resilience, and proposes evidence-based interventions for disaster risk reduction and health system strengthening. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated approaches combining early warning systems, resilient healthcare infrastructure, and community-based disaster preparedness to mitigate the growing health burden of floods in Asian countries.