Flash floods hit parts of New York City and northern New Jersey on the night of July 14, causing widespread public transportation disruptions. Heavy downpour prompted authorities to issue emergency alerts and initiate evacuations.
New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency on the night of July 14 when the floods started. The National Weather Service reported that torrential rain had lessened later that night, but a warning has been issued that more rain is expected.
According to data published by NASA, the proportion of people across the globe living in flood-prone areas has risen by 20% to 24% since 2000. That's a significant increase from the number previous models had predicted, as climate change drives extreme rainfall, rising sea levels, and more intense hurricanes. Indeed, long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns are making extreme meteorological events stronger and more frequent.
Besides the destruction of infrastructure, a flood can bring with it a host of infectious diseases; illnesses like malaria, cholera, and pneumonia. And these life-threatening medical conditions can persist long after floodwaters have receded.
So, what are the diseases and other hazards that come with floods? Click through and find out what rides on the tide of calamity.