Background: The disruption of markets due to floods leads to food insecurity, conflicts, and climate-induced migrations, adversely affecting the well-being of the population. Rapid urbanisation and population growth exacerbate the challenges, making flood management more complex and costlier. Aims: To assess the effects of flood events on socio-economic activities and the water quality of wells and boreholes in the Dschang community, West Region, Cameroon. Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study combining household surveys and water quality analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Dschang community, West Region, Cameroon. The study was conducted during the post-flood period, following recent flood events in the area. Methodology: A total of 150 households, including male and female respondents, were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics and flood impacts on occupation, education, health, housing, water supply, and sanitation. Water samples were collected from wells and boreholes after flooding and analysed for physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids, as well as microbiological indicators, including faecal coliforms and streptococci. Results: Out of 150 households surveyed, riverbed overflow was identified as the leading cause of flooding by 28.7 per cent of respondents. Flooding negatively affected livelihoods, housing conditions, and access to safe water. Malaria was reported as the most common flood-related disease, affecting 60 per cent of households. Water quality analysis showed pH values ranging from 5.6 to 7.5, indicating slight acidification in some sources. Conductivity and total dissolved solids varied across sampling points. Faecal coliforms and streptococci were detected in several wells and boreholes, indicating microbial contamination after flood events. Conclusion: Flooding in Dschang significantly affected socio-economic well-being and compromised the microbiological quality of groundwater sources. Strengthening health service capacity, establishing community-based disaster management committees, and investing in flood risk reduction, water safety measures, infrastructure improvement, and community capacity building are required to reduce future flood impacts.
Valerie et al. (Sat,) studied this question.