Health effects of flooding in Limburg

Abstract

Heavy rainfall caused flooding of the Meuse river in Limburg, the Netherlands, July 2021. This paper presents a preliminary overview of some short-term and intermediate phase health impacts that occurred within a month after the floods in Limburg, focused on general health complaints, COVID-19 and water quality. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to health workers and through the regular SARS-CoV-2 National surveillance programme. Additional information was provided by three drinking water companies along the Meuse.
 Most questionnaire respondents reported an increase in psychological complaints such as fear, stress, and depression directly and one month after the floods. The elderly and children were mentioned as specific vulnerable groups for health effects. The respondents saw a clear relationship between the extent to which people were affected and the occurrence and severity of the health complaints. More SARS-CoV-2 was detected in Limburg around the time of the flooding, however this coincided with the fourth wave of cases so the increased COVID-19 risk could not solely be attributed to evacuations and other circumstances related to the flooding. The floods had a negative effect on the water quality of the Meuse. The drinking water quality and supply was not affected due to measures such as temporary closure of certain intake points.
 The floods and consequent disruptions have caused short-term psychological symptoms and may have caused an increase in the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the region. Long-term health impacts of the floods have yet to be studied but would have to consider potential secondary effects in addition to mental health, water quality and COVID-19.