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Storms and flooding
The impacts of flooded rivers, coastal storm surges, landslides and extreme precipitation on population health and our health system will intensify as climate change alters hydrological regimes and sea levels rise. Storms and floods exacerbate existing health inequities and increase vulnerability for populations that have been placed at risk.
Community Health and Climate Change maps
Working in partnership with researchers from UBC, Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health created a series of maps representing the vulnerability of communities within our health regions to four climate hazards: heat, smoke, ozone, and flooding.
Community Health and Climate Change findingsFlooding
Flooding in particular can cause significant disruptions to health service delivery and emergency management by disrupting and damaging community and health infrastructure.
Prepared BC, British Columbia's emergency preparedness education program, has guides and resources online to help prepare for hazards and emergencies, including a Flood Preparedness Guide.
Visit the BC Government site to find more guides and resources on emergency preparedness.
Read Flood Zones are Danger Zones to learn how to manage the risks associated with re-entering a flood zone.
Windstorms
Windstorms are also expected to remain a feature of the regional climate. These events will continue to create risk for electricity distribution systems, and health impacts will be heightened when they occur alongside flooding, extreme heat, or poor air quality.
