Floods and Public Health Concerns in Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract Flooding is a recurrent natural hazard with significant environmental and human health consequences (Afangide et al., 2018). Rising global temperatures contribute to increased heavy rainfall events, leading to overflows of rivers and inundation of land (Ekong, 2019). Floods not only damage infrastructure and displace communities but also contaminate water sources and create breeding grounds for disease vectors (Adewale, 2020). Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, experiences frequent flooding due to a combination of factors. Rapid urbanisation with inadequate drainage systems, coupled with poor waste disposal practices, exacerbates the problem (Adewale, 2020). The 2022 flood season in Uyo highlighted the city's vulnerability, with major roads submerged despite government interventions (AKSMH, 2022). This study investigates the health implications of floods in Uyo LGA. We focus on the most flood-prone areas and assess the likelihood of flood-related diseases among residents. Our objectives are to identify the streets most affected by flooding in Uyo LGA and evaluate the potential for flood-induced illnesses in these streets. analyse the health impacts of flooding on residents and recommend strategies to mitigate the health consequences of floods.