A global research initiative conducted by Helmholtz Munich explores the health effects of severe rainfall incidents. The researchers examined the correlation between rainfall patterns and death rates at 645 sites across 34 nations from 1980 to 2020. They discovered that exceptionally heavy rainfall, occurring roughly every five years, notably heightens mortality risk, especially in those suffering from heart and lung diseases. However, the effects differ markedly across regions and are influenced by local climate and environmental factors.
Dr. Alexandra Schneider, Deputy Director of the Institute of Epidemiology and leader of the Environmental Risks research group at Helmholtz Munich, states, “It has been previously established in East Asia that severe rain events significantly affect human health. Our current study aims to explore the worldwide effects of these extreme rainfall events on public health.” The research team evaluated extensive data over four decades and from a variety of geographic areas. “To analyze the specific impacts of intense rainfall on mortality, we categorized the rainfall events by their return periods—essentially the statistical frequency of such extreme occurrences—and assessed their effects on different health risks,” Schneider clarifies.
Impact of Extreme Rain on Medical Care and Psychological Stress
The findings concerning the links between severe weather and health consequences revealed a pronounced rise in mortality rates within a two-week period following extreme rainfall events, which statistically happen about every five years. “In addition to an overall rise in death rates, the adverse effects of these extreme weather phenomena were particularly noticeable in individuals with cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses,” remarks Dr. Cheng He, the principal author of the study and a researcher at Helmholtz Munich. He notes, “The health hazards associated with intense rainfall may stem from interruptions in medical care, lack of medication, or the psychological stress experienced by affected individuals. Additionally, airborne pathogens thriving in high humidity may also contribute to health risks.”
Conversely, the research team identified beneficial effects during relatively moderate rainfall events that occur every one to two years. These might be linked to improved air quality and lower temperatures that follow the rain. The study emphasizes the significance of regional variables that influence how severe rainfall affects health, such as climate zone, vegetation cover, and differences in daily precipitation patterns for each city.
Strategies to Minimize Health Risks from Heavy Rain
Given the study’s clear findings, action from policymakers is crucial, asserts Prof. Annette Peters, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology. “With climate change leading to more frequent extreme rainfall events, we require strong health prevention strategies and adaptation measures globally, especially aimed at enhancing infrastructure and bolstering health systems in the most impacted areas.” Establishing early warning systems for severe weather events and advocating for green infrastructure in urban environments could play a critical role in minimizing the health threats posed by heavy rainfall. “The focus should not only be on reacting to emergencies but also on proactively implementing measures to safeguard the population from the anticipated effects of climate change,” adds Peters. “Ultimately, it’s about preserving lives.”
