Impacts and Causes of Flood Hazards on Public Health and Socio-Economic: The Case of Hirna Town, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

Introduction: Flooding is the most common destructive natural event globally.

Aim: The goal of this study was to identify the causes of floods and their socio-economic consequences and public health.

Materials and Method: The primary data collection methods were structured survey questionnaires, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observation, and document analysis. The survey questionnaires with 29 items were sent to 121 homes. The sample size for the house-to-house questionnaire survey was determined using the formula for sample size determination. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used in this investigation. The data were summarized and analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The qualitative data gathered from key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observation was interpreted, and the analysis was combined with survey findings to substantiate the outcome.

Results: The lack of flood drainage infrastructure in the research area, according to 74.4 % of the homes, is the most important root cause of floods. Floods can increase the danger of waterborne pathogens and bug infections, with the most prevalent ailments experienced by the tested households being the common cold, malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia. The lack of an early warning system played a significant role in exacerbating the flood damage. About (18.2%) claimed they were evacuated from their homes until the rainy season was over and back. The other (25.6%) diverged water flow direction and coping strategies to prevent flood impacts during flood events.

Conclusion: One of the most prevalent illnesses observed in the houses surveyed was malaria. As a result, flooding is the most serious concern or hazard in the research area. Based on this analysis, the government should find a way to prevent flooding and drainage problems among the suspected areas. It is recommended that the watershed of the site should be delineated, and the streamline should be identified and managed properly.