ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS OF FLOOD DISASTER AND HAZARDS ON COMMUNITY HEALTH IN ILESE-IJEBU, OGUN STATE: THE HEALTH EDUCATION IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Floods are one of the most common hazards to cause disasters and have led to extensive morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The study aimed to assess the impacts of flood disasters on community health, and the health education implications. and to identify, evaluate and determine the use of managerial skills on urban drainage systems and flood disasters in the community. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Two hundred and fifty (250) respondents were randomly selected among the inhabitants of Ilese-Ijebu. The findings reveal that 80% have adequate knowledge regarding flood disasters, they were aware that flood can lead to loss of life and properties, 70% of respondents agree that the waste disposal habit of the people is poor and has an impact on the occurrence of flood disaster, Results
indicated by the perception of 98.4% that Health Education is vital to floods disaster mitigation. (80%) agreed that impacts on community health can be reduced by efficient disease surveillance during and after flooding, location of Health Care Facilities is also key to community health. The study concluded that people's perspective has a great impact on the consequences of flooding. The following recommendations were made the government should enforce environmental law and policy, and make provision for health educators and qualified environmental health officers in the community to educate and enlighten people on the proper way of disposing of their waste materials, causes and consequences of flood disaster.