Environmental and Public Health Impacts of Seasonal Flooding: A Cross-Sectional Household Survey in Katagum LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: Seasonal looding is a recurring environmental hazard in northern Nigeria, frequently disrupting water sup‑
ply systems, sanitation infrastructure, and agricultural livelihoods. However, empirical data linking looding to environmental
degradation and community health outcomes in Bauchi State remain limited. Methods: The study used a cross‑sectional mixed‑
methods design, conducted in ive lood‑prone communities in Katagum LGA. A total of 420 households were surveyed using
structured questionnaires. Environmental observations and retrospective health facility records from three primary health cen‑
ters were analyzed to examine changes in disease patterns during lood periods. Descriptive statistics and comparative analysis
of pre‑lood and lood‑season disease incidence were performed. Results: Fifty‑eight percent (58%) of households reported
compound or household inundation during the last rainy season. Sixty‑four percent (64%) experienced contamination of drink‑
ing water sources, while thirty‑eight percent (38%) reported latrine overlow. Health facility records indicated a 39% increase
in acute watery diarrhea cases and a 28% rise in malaria incidence during lood months. Approximately 47% of farming house‑
holds reported signiicant crop loss. Conclusion: Seasonal looding in Katagum signiicantly affects environmental sanitation,
drinking water quality, and infectious disease transmission. Strengthening lood‑resilient WASH infrastructure and improving
disease surveillance systems are critical for reducing lood‑related health risks in the region.
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