How Dubai Adapts to Rising Waters Crisis

Dubai experienced an extreme and heavy rain fall that caused water clogged roads, flooded homes, water pouring from mall roofs and many other significant damages. 

Wherever it happens, flooding isn’t just a matter of how much rain comes down. It’s also about what happens to all that water once it’s on the ground and most critically, in the places people live.

Floodwaters contain many things that may harm health such as chemical waste, biological waste, carcinogenic compounds, germs and contaminants, sewage, wild or stray animals such as rodents, snakes etc. Exposure to contaminated floodwater directly and indirectly through the food & water can cause serious wound infections, skin rash, gastrointestinal illness, diarrheal diseases etc.

Flooding can contaminate the ground, soil, and other outdoor areas with both bacteria and viruses. Increased levels of microbes in floodwaters increase the risk of human exposure and the likelihood for infection. It can take up to several months for microbes to naturally die off in contaminated soil, so personal hygiene is key to reducing the risk to public health. 

Cleaning up the contamination and educating the public will help reduce the risk of disease spreading from floodwaters:

• Warn to avoid standing water, areas with visible debris, and areas where floodwater has accumulated
• Emphasise proper handwashing and the need to provide adequate washing and drying supplies and equipment in restrooms and facilities
• Clean or throw away anything that came in contact with floodwater
• Pay attention to areas where young children are likely to play and make sure they are disinfected
• Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas
• Do not bathe in water that may be contaminated with sewage or toxic chemicals. This includes rivers, streams, or lakes that are contaminated by floodwater

In addition, it’s highly important to manage pests since floodwater can displace reptiles, rodents, insects, and other vectors. Standing water and sewage can harbour flies and mosquitoes.

Mosquito eggs laid in the soil by floodwater mosquitoes during previous floods hatch. This results in very large populations of floodwater mosquitoes. Most of these mosquitoes are considered nuisance mosquitoes. Increased rainfall may result in increased hatching of mosquito eggs.

Re-entering Your Flooded Home

When returning to a home that’s been flooded after natural disasters, be aware that your house may be contaminated with mould, which can cause health risks for your family. 

When you first re-enter your home:

• If the house has been closed up for several days, enter briefly to open doors and windows to let the house air out for a while (at least 30 minutes) before you stay for any length of time
• If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, assume your home has mould
• Throw away unsafe food
• Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odour, colour, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out
• Use safe water. Floodwater can contaminate your drinking water. Some contaminants from surface water get into the groundwater and affect private drinking water wells and municipal water systems that use ground water. Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
• Dry out your home to prevent mould. If flood or storm water has entered your home, dry it out as soon as possible to prevent mould. Follow these steps:

1. If weather permits, open windows and doors of the house to aid in the drying-out process.
2. Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed at a window or door to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, so as not to spread the mould.
3. Have your home heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system checked and cleaned by a service professional who is experienced in mould cleanup before you turn it on. If the HVAC system was flooded with water, turning on the mould-contaminated HVAC will spread mould throughout the house. Professional cleaning will kill the mould and prevent later mould growth. When the service determines that your system is clean and if it is safe to do so, you can turn it on and use it to help remove excess moisture from your home.

Together we can protect our community and loved ones!