The Vanishing Island: Socioecological and health challenges of Munroe Thuruth in Kerala, India

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Climate change has significantly impacted tropical ecosystems critical for sustaining local economies and community livelihoods. Climate change has also impacted health especially increased prevalence of water borne and vector-borne diseases. Health implications due to climate change are multifarious and often poorly understood. We did a qualitative study in an island in Kerala-Munroe Thirurth which is affected by rising sea levels and large scale inundation and we hoped that this may help in developing a knowledge-base regarding such ecological contexts. The main objectives of the study were to understand how does the distinct ecology affect the health and wellbeing of the inhabitants of the Island especially their habitation and sustenance and also to document the public health challenges including accessibility and availability of health services of the people of the island. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative design was used given the context and the geographical setting of the island. By adopting a Multi-stage sampling, first, we categorised the island in terms of impact of floods based on the available official information viz. severely affected; moderately affected; mildly affected and; not affected wards of the Munroe Thuruth panchayath. From each of the category, one ward was selected after discussions with the panchayath president and other functionaries and 20 adult members were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. In addition, key informant interviews were also conducted with the panchayath functionaries and health staff. The study was undertaken in three phases covering an exploratory phase, pre-pilot phase and the final data collection phase. RESULTS: The island dwellers know that their land is being reclaimed by water, and that the entire island will be wiped-off the map soon. Even though the island is slowly going under water, many of the island dwellers are optimistic that the scenario may change and the island may return back to its good old days. The reasons for the increased water levels and associated problems in Munroe Thuruth can be attributed to multiple factors , including sand excavation from Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River, the commissioning of the Kallada Irrigation Project, and the effects of global warming. The observation that pollution is increasing on an exponential rate in Munroe Thuruth, primarily due to the growth of tourism and water logging, raises concerns about the environmental and public health impacts on the island. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded the public health challenges are multi-pronged and influenced by the ecology as well as the way of living of the people. The accessibility and availability of healthcare services need to be improved by establishing secondary or tertiary care facilities on the island or improving transportation options for residents to access medical assistance in mainland areas. It is recommended to implement immediate measures to address waterlogging and erosion, including constructing protective infrastructure and improving drainage systems to minimize the impact on houses and living conditions. Also, it is necessary to strengthen environmental conservation efforts by promoting the restoration and protection of mangroves, which play a crucial role in stabilizing the land and mitigating the impact of climate change.