Mainstream disaster health as a policy priority: experiences from Chennai floods and a cross sectional study during disaster relief phase

Abstract

Background: The months leading to the end of 2015 exposed the pernicious compromise of India’s flood protection mechanism and India’s deep unpreparedness for addressing Disasters and humanitarian emergencies. Chennai was washed out by the annual northeast monsoon during the November-December months of 2015. More than 500 people lost their lives and more than 18 lakh people were displaced and over 22 lakh vehicles were damaged with economic losses ranging from US$7-15 billion, going by popular media estimates.

Methods:A cross sectional study was carried out through a convenience sampling n = 400 and subjects coming under different wards in Chennai municipal corporation were administered a questionnaire which was made exclusively for the Chennai floods. The subjects who participated in the study were belonging to the outreach area zones identified by Help Age Chennai Mobile Unit. Help Age India and Help Age Chennai identified in particular worst affected zones due to the floods and provided medical relief. The first author observations while responding to the floods have also been synced into the discussion.

Results: The floods in Chennai led to significant depression among the populace where 87.9 % felt depressed (p value<0.009). 332 (83%) felt that Governmental help did not come, and it signals the massive collapse of the Government structure. Public drainage water got mixed with the clean water during the floods and remained that way without adequate chlorination in many areas and 88.2% felt it affected their health (p value <0.001).

Conclusions:Great co-ordination needs to be brought and work integrated between the city corporation, public work department, slum clearance board, housing boards and development authority to be able to respond to any catastrophe.