AUTHORS
Anna Rodes Cascales
KEY WORDS
Environment and public health; public health vigilance; floods; climate change; vulnerability in disasters.
ABSTRACT
Introduction and Goals. Global warming has intensified floods and extreme weather events in the Mediterranean basin, causing a severe impact on public health and infrastructure. This study aims to review the available evidence (2014-2025), characterise risk groups and propose recommendations to reinforce health resilience. Material and Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR from January to April 2025, searching PubMed, Scopus and WoS for studies related to disease, flooding and mud. 29 papers were selected after screening and evaluation with JBI.
Material and Method. Drawing up the system involved several different phases: conceptual design, analysis of paper systems, review of variables and data, design of the electronic register, prototyping, evaluation of connections and interoperability, validation of the prototype and implementation.
Results. Infectious diseases (gastroenteritis, dengue, legionellosis), non-communicable diseases (stroke, cardiovascular) and mental disorders (depression, PTSD) were identified, with greater presence in older adults, children, women and rural areas; the acute burden of diarrhoea arises between 4 and 12 days after the event, while arbovirosis and chronic complications increase thereafter; health care is hampered by power cuts and road damage.
Conclusions. Floods, such as the Valencia DANA (cold drop), cause acute health burden and prolonged sequelae, especially in vulnerable populations, requiring real-time epidemiological vigilance, ongoing care, psychosocial support and infrastructure improvements based on climate scenarios. Artificial intelligence and specialised personnel are key to anticipating risks and meeting the SDG 3 targets and the Sendai Framework.