Health effects of flooding in Canada: A 2015 review and description of gaps in research

Worldwide, floods are the most common natural disaster and produce a broad array of health impacts. In Canada, it is difficult to quantify all of the health impacts associated with flooding. This data gap is salient because of the increasing risks floods are posing to society as a result of climate change. This paper reviews the epidemiological evidence of flood-related health effects, and the Canadian susceptibility to these effects. The health impacts from flooding range from mortality, drowning and other injuries to hypothermia, mental health impacts, deterioration of elderly/patients who required emergency transportation, homelessness and transmission of contagious diseases and others. The Canadian population includes a range of socio-economic levels, demographics and pre-existing illness. Additionally, many Canadians live and work in flood plains or on shorelines where floods are a hazard. There is, therefore, variable susceptibility to flood events in the population. Susceptibility to these health impacts can be buffered by the population's adaptive capacity and external support. To ensure the safety and health of the Canadian population, government and non-profit organizations can decrease the burden of flooding by increasing adaptive capacity, emergency response and a focus on preventative measures. Vulnerable populations who require extra support to avoid negative health impacts from flooding, such as First Nations populations, need further attention. Recommendations are offered for addressing the health-related effects of flooding.