QUANTIFYING THE HUMAN HEALTH BURDEN OF FLOOD DISASTERS: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS FROM SHAHDADKOT, SINDH PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Floods are among the most recurrent and devastating climate-induced disasters in Pakistan, posing significant public health threats, especially in underserved rural districts. This study investigates the human health burden of the 2022 flood disaster in Shahdadkot District, Sindh Province, a region highly vulnerable due to low elevation, inadequate drainage, and fragile healthcare infrastructure. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative design, primary survey data were collected from 400 households using a structured questionnaire covering demographic data, perceived flood impacts on water quality, sanitation, healthcare access, mental health, and disease incidence. Statistical analyses using SPSS, including regression, correlation, and cross-tabulation, revealed a stark increase in flood-related illnesses, including diarrhea (66%), respiratory infections (58.5%), skin diseases (52.5%), and psychological stress (27.3%). The highest health risk perception was associated with contaminated water (mean = 4.2), poor sanitation (4.0), and medicine shortages (3.8). Regression results showed that no single variable significantly predicted overall health status, suggesting a multifactorial nature of post-disaster health outcomes. However, sanitation had the strongest (though non-significant) positive coefficient, underscoring its potential influence. Younger respondents reported the highest mental health distress, while both genders exhibited dissatisfaction with healthcare access. These findings highlight systemic vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate shocks and emphasize the need for targeted, age- and gender-sensitive health interventions. The study fills a critical knowledge gap by providing localized, empirical evidence on flood-related health burdens and advocates for integrated, health-centered disaster preparedness policies in Pakistan.