Hurricane Helene The consequences of heavy rains and flooding are not only destructive to property, they also pose a major health and safety risk, leaving residents stranded in the path of the storm and potentially exposed to water-borne illnesses and other dangers.
As authorities rush to drop supplies, restore power and clear roads, the number of storm-related accidents deaths exceeded a hundred across the Southeast.
In the devastated city of AshevilleNorth Carolina rescued Megan Drye watched as her 7-year-old son Micah and his parents were swept away by floodwaters. They found themselves stranded on a roof when it collapsed into the water.
Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children and people with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk from flooding, internal medicine physician Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider told CBS News.
But experts say there are various health risks to be aware of when it comes to floodwaters. Here’s what to consider.
Drowning, injuries and illnesses caused by floods
Even for experienced swimmers, fast-moving floodwaters can quickly sweep away anyone and anything in its path.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen a trend on social media where people are dancing and jumping headfirst into the floodwaters of Hurricane Helene,” said Peter Duncanson, a disaster expert at ServiceMaster Restore, adding that this highlights the dangers associated with the presence of flood waters.
Besides the water itself being dangerous, floodwaters can also hide downed power lines and open manholes or drains, Duncanson said. Floodwaters can also carry harmful debris that can cause injuries such as glass and metal as well as rodents and snakes.
Then there are the dangers you can’t see with the naked eye, like pathogens.
“We are primarily concerned about what we call ‘enteric pathogens,’ the same type of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, such as certain strains of E. coli, salmonella, shigella and yersinia. We we are also worried about norovirus and hepatitis A,” said Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of the infectious diseases division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, told CBS News.
If drinking water is contaminated, drink only bottled (or boiled) water until local authorities advise you that the water is safe to drink, Kuritzkes said.
“Remember that you need clean water to be able to wash fruits and vegetables, so peel or cook them before eating if you are unable to secure a supply of drinking water,” she said. he declared.
Open wounds or rashes exposed to floodwaters can also become infected, said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency room doctor at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. previously told CBS News.
Avoid direct contact with flood water as much as possible by wearing gloves and waterproof clothing and never walk barefoot during a flood.
“Often, if your feet are waterlogged, that’s an excuse to get infections, including fungal infections between the toes,” Glatter said. “Wear tall boots and keep your feet as dry as possible.”
Health impacts beyond flooding
Once the water is removed, mold is another major problem that can trigger asthma and difficulty breathing, watery eyes and allergy-like symptoms, said Dr. Peggy Duggan, executive vice president and chief medical officer. from Tampa General Hospital.
“That’s why it’s important to remove all furniture and objects as well as drywall to mitigate the risk of mold,” Duggan said.
Glatter said carpets and fabric furniture should not be salvaged.
“Bacteria can infiltrate tissues and cause airborne infections,” he said. “I would not recommend holding anything with fabric that absorbs flood water.”
Mold can appear as early as 24 to 48 hours after floodwaters recede.
Loss of electricity and inability to access air conditioning are also health risks to be wary of, experts say.
“Loss of electricity and lack of access to air conditioning can increase the risk for patients with chronic conditions like asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and cardiovascular disease, as well as insufficiency heart,” Duggan said.
Mental health after Hurricane Helene
It’s not just physical health that can be affected by hurricane devastation: mental health is another concern.
“Surviving Hurricane Helene can have significant impacts on your mental health,” Courtney Morgan, a licensed therapist and founder of Louisville, Ky., mental health therapy practice Counseling Unconditionally, told CBS News.
Feeling scared, hopeless or isolated can happen during or after a hurricane or other natural disaster, she said.
“Many people lost everything in these disasters, including their homes and even their loved ones. Experiencing grief is a challenge whatever the circumstances; ways to prepare funeral or other arrangements for your loved ones. Additionally, you might feel guilt if survivors know other people lost their lives,” Morgan said.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and anxiety are mental health issues that frequently emerge after such catastrophic events, Ungerleider said.
“During a natural disaster crisis, prioritizing mental health is essential for overall well-being and resilience. It’s important to first recognize and manage stress reactions early on,” she said, adding some suggestions to support your mental well-being:
- Maintain routines as much as possible to “create a sense of stability in the midst of chaos.”
- Stay in touch with loved ones when possible (virtually or in person) for emotional support and to reduce feelings of isolation.
- Seek help from a mental health professional if symptoms such as persistent anxiety, depression or trouble sleeping are overwhelming, she added.
contributed to this report.
