Student name: - Dua Adnan

Department: - BS-HND 7TH

Subject: - nutrition in emergency

Assignment topic: - emergency in flood

Submitted to: - Ma’am Maria Rehman

Date: - 07-04-2024
Natural disasters:-
“Any calamitous occurrence generated by the effects of natural, rather than human-driven,
phenomena that produces great loss of human life or destruction of the natural environment,
private property, or public infrastructure.’’

A natural disaster is an event caused by a natural hazard. The latter is defined by UNSDR as:-

“a natural process or phenomenon that may cause loss of life, injury or other health impacts,
property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or
environmental damage” – e.g., an earthquake, hurricane, or drought

Some of the most common natural disasters include:

Earthquakes: Sudden shaking or trembling of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic
plates beneath the Earth's surface.

Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones: These are powerful tropical storms with strong winds
and heavy rainfall that can cause extensive damage, particularly in coastal areas.

Floods: Overflow of water onto normally dry land, often caused by heavy rainfall, storm surges,
or the rapid melting of snow and ice.

Tornadoes: Violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground,
capable of causing severe destruction in a localized area.

Volcanic Eruptions: The release of magma, ash, and gases from a volcano, leading to various
hazards such as lava flows, ash clouds, and pyroclastic flows.

Wildfires: Uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly through vegetation, often exacerbated by dry
conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds.

Tsunamis: Large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or

landslides that can inundate coastal areas.

Droughts: Extended periods of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water shortages and crop
failures.

Landslides: The downward movement of rock, soil, and debris on a slope, often triggered by
heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or volcanic activity.

Blizzards: Severe snowstorms characterized by strong winds, low temperatures, and reduced
visibility.

These natural disasters have devastating effects on communities, ecosystem and infrastructure.
Flood:-
According to WHO:-

“Floods are the most frequent type of natural disaster and occur when an overflow of water
submerges land that is usually dry. Floods are often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt or
a storm surge from a tropical cyclone or tsunami in coastal areas.”

Floods can cause widespread devastation, resulting in loss of life and damages to personal
property and critical public health infrastructure. Between 1998-2017, floods affected more than
2 billion people worldwide. People, who live in floodplains or non-resistant buildings, or lack
warning systems and awareness of flooding hazard, are most vulnerable to floods.

There are 3 common types of floods:

 Flash floods are caused by rapid and excessive rainfall that raises water heights quickly,
and rivers, streams, channels or roads may be overtaken.
 River floods are caused when consistent rain or snow melt forces a river to exceed
capacity.
 Coastal floods are caused by storm surges associated with tropical cyclones and tsunami.

Between 80-90% of all documented disasters from natural hazards during the past 10 years have
resulted from floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, heat waves and severe storms.

Floods are also increasing in frequency and intensity, and the frequency and intensity of
extreme precipitation is expected to continue to increase due to climate change.

Climate change and flood:-

The relationship between floods and climate change is complex. While climate change doesn't
directly cause floods, it can influence the frequency, intensity, and patterns of precipitation,
which in turn affect the likelihood and severity of floods.

 As climate change warms up the atmosphere, the air can hold 7% more water vapour for
every one-degree Celsius rise in temperature. When this air rapidly cools, water vapour
turns into droplets which join together to form heavy rainfall.

Heavy rainfall over a short period of time can cause flash floods, and moderate
rainfall over several days can overflow rivers or dams.

 Countries that have been dealing with high water levels for many years have had the time
to adapt – for example the Netherlands, which has created the world’s most sophisticated
flood barriers.

But historically, regions that haven't had to deal with such heavy rains may not have
adapted, making them more vulnerable to dangerous flooding.
 Low-income countries with poor infrastructures may be less equipped to prepare for and
prevent flooding, like Bangladesh, Haiti and Vietnam.

 Increasing temperatures are also melting polar ice caps. This poses a significant
threat to coastal towns and cities.

Antarctica has lost about 3 trillion tones of ice in the last 25 years, causing global seas to
rise by 8mm. In the future sea levels could rise as much as 5 meters.

Strategies to deal with flood condition:-

Flood management strategies are usually divided into hard engineering and soft engineering. It
depends on the situation which is more suitable, and both have advantages and disadvantages.

 HARD ENGINEERING:-

Hard engineering methods are more expensive and use many raw materials to build. The
construction can significantly impact the surrounding environment, and it makes bigger
alterations to the existing environment to stop flooding.

It includes: -
Dams are large structures built across a river channel to control the water flow. Usually, water
builds up behind the dam to fill a reservoir which can be drained at a controlled rate. This is
useful during periods of heavy rainfall.

Levees are raised banks of a river which is created artificially or naturally. Artificial levees are
built along river banks, so when the river floods, the levee stops the water from reaching and
flooding surrounding areas

Diversion spillways are artificial channels that divert water overflow when the river discharge,
which is the volume of water flowing through the river channel, rises. The channel moves the
water from the areas at risk of flooding and puts the water back further down or into another
river.

 SOFT ENGINEERING:-

Soft engineering methods are seen as more ecologically sensitive and try to manage the flood
instead of preventing it. It also attempts to work with the surrounding environment instead of
against it.

It includes:-

Floodplain zoning restricts the areas surrounding the river from being built so that houses and
buildings don't get flooded.
When planting trees in the drainage basin, there is greater interception and lower river discharge.
It also helps with the environmental quality of the river's surroundings. While a forestation can
help to reduce flood risks, it cannot prevent flooding.

 Other strategies include:-

Early Warning Systems:

 Implementing robust early warning systems to provide timely alerts to communities at

risk.
 Utilizing weather forecasting, river gauges, and other monitoring tools to predict flood
events.

Community Education and Preparedness:

 Educating communities about flood risks and providing information on evacuation routes
and emergency shelters.
 Conducting regular drills and training exercises to ensure that communities are well-
prepared for flood events.

Climate Change Mitigation:

 Addressing the root causes of climate change through measures like reducing greenhouse
gas emissions to mitigate the long-term impact on weather patterns.

Climate Change Mitigation:

 Addressing the root causes of climate change through measures like reducing greenhouse
gas emissions to mitigate the long-term impact on weather patterns.

Data of flood affected people in Pakistan:-

Floods in Pakistan are threatening lives in Pakistan one year after floodwater caused
widespread devastation in 2022.

After weeks of torrential rain, the Sutlej River in the Punjab region swelled to 'extremely high
levels' on Saturday 19 August, expanding 4km wider at points. 100,000 people have been
evacuated by authorities.

For 33 million people, the situation will bring back painful memories of this time last year, when
the worst disaster in a decade hit Pakistan. More than 1,700 people lost their lives in the 2022
Pakistan floods, and almost 13,000 were injured.

Many people just haven't had the chance to recover. Families lost their homes, education,
livelihoods, and in some cases loved ones. Children are being hit the hardest. An Islamic
Relief assessment in flood-affected areas found that 40% of young children are enduring
stunted growth as families struggle to access food and healthcare. Waterborne diseases such as
malaria, cholera, and dengue fever are also rife.

Challenges regarding shelter food and sanitation in flood:-

Floods can pose significant challenges to shelter, food, and sanitation, creating complex
humanitarian crises. Here are some key challenges associated with each aspect:

1. Shelter:
 Displacement and Homelessness: Floods often force people to evacuate their
homes, leading to large numbers of displaced individuals. Providing temporary
shelters becomes crucial.
 Limited Resources: The sudden influx of displaced people may overwhelm
existing resources, making it difficult to provide adequate shelter materials, such
as tents or temporary housing.
 Infrastructure Damage: Floods can damage infrastructure, including buildings
and roads, making it challenging to transport shelter materials to affected areas.
2. Food:
 Disruption of Agriculture: Floodwaters can submerge agricultural land,
destroying crops and making it difficult for communities to sustain themselves.
 Contamination of Food Supplies: Floodwaters can contaminate food supplies,
leading to the spread of waterborne diseases and making it unsafe for
consumption.
  Limited Access to Markets: Floods may disrupt transportation routes and market
access, preventing the distribution of food to affected areas.
3. Sanitation:
 Water Contamination: Floodwaters can carry contaminants and pollutants,
compromising the safety of drinking water sources and increasing the risk of
waterborne diseases.
 Inadequate Sanitation Facilities: Displaced populations often lack proper
sanitation facilities, leading to poor hygiene conditions and an increased
likelihood of disease outbreaks.
 Waste Management Challenges: Flooding can disrupt waste disposal systems,
leading to the accumulation of waste and further exacerbating health risks.

Objective of nutrition in emergency:-

The main objective of nutrition in emergency situations is to ensure that affected populations,
particularly vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, receive
adequate and appropriate nutrition to maintain their health and well-being.

Nutrition plays a critical role in emergency response for several reasons:-

 Prevention of malnutrition
 Support for vulnerable group
 Disease prevention and immune response
 Protection of livelihood

In summary, the main objective of nutrition in emergencies is to safeguard the health and well-
being of affected populations by addressing immediate nutritional needs, preventing
malnutrition, and promoting long-term resilience within communities. A comprehensive and
coordinated approach involving various stakeholders is crucial for the success of nutrition
interventions in emergency settings.

Nutrition role in saving lives and preventing diseases during flood

The emergency response for saving lives and preventing disease includes:

 Emergency medical care

 Provision of shelter and site planning.

 Water and sanitation.
 Safe food preparation.
 Nutrition and case management.
 Medical supplies and vector control.

Moreover, health education and providing the health of humanitarian workers is a critical point.
  Select and plan sites

Providing appropriate shelters and site planning at the start of an emergency can decrease the
incidence of communicable disease especially diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections,
meningitis, tuberculosis, measles and vector-borne diseases.

 Ensure adequate water and sanitation facilitate:-

Ensuring constant delivery of safe drinking-water is the major preventive measure to be applied
after a natural disaster.

 Ensuring safety of food:-

Food safety is crucial for disease prevention in natural disasters. The World Health Organization
recommends five keys for ensuring the safety of food supplements following a disaster event;

 Preserve clean - (prevents the growth and spread of hazardous microorganisms).

 Separate cooked and raw food (microorganisms transfer prevention).
 Cook thoroughly (kills dangerous microorganisms).
 Preserve food at harmless temperatures (microorganism’s growth prevention).

 Consuming safe water and raw materials (contamination prevention).

Provide essential clinical services:-

Access to the primary care services is critical to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of a
variety of diseases, as well as providing secondary and tertiary care.

Circumstances should be avoided during flood:-

In flood situations, it is essential to be aware of and actively avoid certain circumstances to
minimize risks, protect lives, and enhance the overall effectiveness of emergency response
efforts. Here are some circumstances that should be avoided during floods:

 Walking or Driving Through Floodwaters:

Walking or driving through flooded areas can lead to drowning, as water levels can be deceptive,
and strong currents may be present.
  Electrocution Hazard:

Avoid using electrical appliances or utilities in flooded areas, as there is a high risk of
electrocution. Water can conduct electricity, posing a serious threat to life.

 Waterborne Diseases:

Floodwaters often carry contaminants, making them unsafe to drink. Avoid consuming water
from unknown or untreated sources to prevent waterborne diseases.

 Lack of Preparedness:

Ignoring weather warnings and forecasts can lead to a lack of preparedness. Stay informed about
the weather conditions to anticipate and respond to potential flood risks.

During flood situations, it is crucial to prioritize safety, stay informed, and follow the guidance
of local authorities and emergency responders to mitigate risks and protect lives.

Role of dietitian for implementing nutrition in emergency situation:-

Dietitians play a crucial role in implementing nutrition interventions during emergency
situations. Their expertise is vital in addressing the nutritional needs of affected populations and
preventing malnutrition. Here are key roles that dietitians play in emergency nutrition response:

1. Assessment of Nutritional Status:

 Surveys and Screening: Dietitians conduct nutritional assessments through

surveys and screenings to identify the prevalence of malnutrition and assess the
specific nutritional needs of different population groups.

2. Development of Nutrition Programs:

 Tailored Interventions: Based on the assessment findings, dietitians design and

implement nutrition programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the affected
population, considering factors such as age, gender, and health status.

3. Menu Planning and Food Distribution:

 Balanced Diets: Dietitians contribute to the development of balanced menus that

provide essential nutrients to meet the energy and nutritional requirements of
individuals in emergency settings.

 Safe and Hygienic Practices: They ensure that food distribution follows safe and
hygienic practices to prevent contamination and food borne illnesses.

4. Therapeutic Feeding Programs:

  Specialized Care: In cases of acute malnutrition, dietitians implement therapeutic
feeding programs that provide specialized nutritional care to individuals at risk of
or experiencing malnutrition.

5. Infant and Young Child Feeding Support:

 Breastfeeding Promotion: Dietitians promote and support breastfeeding,

ensuring that infants and young children receive optimal nutrition and protection
from infections, especially in emergencies.

6. Nutrition Education and Counseling:

 Health Promotion: Dietitians provide nutrition education and counseling to

affected communities, emphasizing the importance of a diverse and balanced diet,
proper hygiene practices, and breastfeeding.

By actively participating in these roles, dietitians contribute significantly to the overall health
and well-being of populations affected by emergencies, helping to mitigate the impact of
malnutrition and supporting the recovery process.

Role of different organization which is working for nutrition in emergency:-

Several organizations, both international and non-governmental, play crucial roles in addressing
nutrition in emergency situations. These organizations contribute to various aspects of
emergency nutrition response, including assessment, intervention, advocacy, and capacity
building. Here are the roles of different types of organizations involved in nutrition during
emergencies:

1. United Nations Agencies:

 World Food Programmed (WFP): Provides food assistance and implements

nutrition programs, including therapeutic feeding and supplementary feeding, in
collaboration with other UN agencies and partners.

 UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund): Focuses on addressing the

nutritional needs of children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, providing
therapeutic and supplementary feeding, as well as promoting breastfeeding.

2. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):

 Medicines sans Frontiers (Doctors without Borders): Operates medical

facilities in emergency settings, including therapeutic feeding centers, and
provides medical and nutritional care to affected populations.
  Action against Hunger: Specializes in nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene
(WASH) programs, implementing therapeutic and supplementary feeding
interventions.

 Concern Worldwide: Works on integrated programs addressing health, nutrition,

water, and sanitation needs in emergencies, with a focus on sustainable solutions.

3. Government Agencies:

 National Ministries of Health: Play a crucial role in coordinating emergency

nutrition response efforts, providing policy guidance, and collaborating with
international and local partners.

 National Disaster Management Agencies: Coordinate and oversee emergency

response efforts, including those related to nutrition, within a country.

4. International Organizations:

 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):

Supports national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in emergency response,
including nutrition interventions and community-based health initiatives.

 World Health Organization (WHO): Provides technical guidance and support

to countries in emergency situations, including nutrition-related interventions.

5. Humanitarian Networks and Platforms:

 SUN Movement (Scaling Up Nutrition): A global movement that brings together
governments, civil society, donors, and the private sector to prioritize and address
malnutrition in all its forms, including during emergencies

Role of different organization in Pakistan which is working for nutrition in

emergency:-
Several organizations in Pakistan are actively working to address nutrition in emergency
situations, aiming to provide relief and support to vulnerable populations during crises. Here are
some key organizations and their roles in the context of emergency nutrition in Pakistan:-

National Institute of Health (NIH):

  Role: The NIH in Pakistan is involved in health research and surveillance. During
emergencies, it contributes to health assessments, including monitoring and addressing
nutritional needs.

Islamic Relief Pakistan:

 Role: Islamic Relief is an international NGO that operates in Pakistan, providing

emergency relief, including food and nutrition support, during crises.

Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS):

 Role: PRCS is actively involved in humanitarian and disaster response activities. During
emergencies, it provides health and nutrition support, including community outreach and
relief efforts

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Pakistan:

 Role: IFRC supports the Pakistan Red Crescent Society in delivering emergency health
and nutrition responses, including community-based interventions.

World Health Organization (WHO) Pakistan:

 Role: WHO supports the health sector in Pakistan during emergencies, including
providing technical assistance for nutrition-related interventions and coordinating health
responses.

Action against Hunger (ACF) Pakistan:

 Role: ACF is an international NGO that works on nutrition, water, sanitation, and
hygiene programs. In emergencies, ACF provides therapeutic feeding interventions,
nutritional assessments, and community-based support.

These organizations, among others, collaborate with government agencies, local partners, and
communities to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to emergency nutrition in
Pakistan.

Impacts of floods:-
 One of the most significant impacts of flood is the damage to, and destruction of, homes
and personal belongings. This often results in grief, stress and sadness over the loss of
irreplaceable possessions and built up equity. For some there are the added long-term
difficulties of claiming insurance and finding resources to repair, rebuild or relocate
following the flood. Flooding often results in damage to infrastructure.
 A secondary impact of floods can be the contamination of floodwaters with chemicals
and sewage. This can pose a threat to the health of people and animals and can increase
 the risk of contracting waterborne diseases. In the agricultural sector, flooding can ruin
crops, delay harvests, spoil produce, remove or contaminate valuable topsoil and cause
death of livestock.
 flooding can have social impacts on a community causing sporting events and festivals to
be cancelled. As well as impacting social morale, this can have the practical impact of
reducing tourism and income for affected areas.
 Floods can disrupt ecosystems and lead to the loss of biodiversity. The sudden and
excessive flow of water can harm aquatic habitats, damage vegetation, and affect wildlife
populations.
 The economic impact of floods is substantial, including the costs of emergency response,
recovery, and reconstruction. Businesses may suffer losses, and local economies can take
a hit due to disrupted services and trade.

Flood disaster risk reduction

Flood disaster risk reduction involves implementing strategies and measures to minimize the
impact of floods on communities and ecosystems. It aims to enhance resilience, improve
preparedness, and reduce vulnerability to flooding. Here are key components and approaches to
flood disaster risk reduction:

Early Warning Systems:

Establishing and maintaining effective early warning systems is crucial. These systems use
weather forecasts, river gauges, and other monitoring tools to provide timely alerts to
communities at risk. Early warnings enable people to evacuate and take protective measures
before the flood occurs.

Ecosystem Restoration:

 Restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, can
contribute to natural flood control. Healthy ecosystems can absorb and slow down water,
reducing the intensity and impact of floods.

Climate Change Adaptation:

 Considering the potential impacts of climate change on precipitation patterns and sea
levels is essential. Incorporating climate change adaptation strategies into flood risk
reduction plans ensures that measures remain effective under changing climatic
conditions.

International Cooperation:
  Collaborating with neighboring countries and international organizations can enhance
regional cooperation in managing transboundary river basins and addressing shared flood
risks.

Flood disaster risk reduction is an ongoing process that requires a combination of structural and
non-structural measures, community engagement, and effective governance. Implementing a
comprehensive and integrated approach can significantly reduce the impact of floods on both
human communities and the environment.

Flood mitigation activites:-

The four phases of an emergency flood management plan are: mitigation, preparedness,
response, and recovery:-

1. Mitigation:

Mitigation activities are intended to significantly reduce or even eliminate the risk of flooding
before it occurs. The following list includes some common mitigation activities:

 Review and update building codes and zoning. Responsible community planning can
be one of the most powerful tools to minimize flood risk. If a community participates
in FEMA’s Community Rating System, these activities can result in flood insurance
premium reductions for property owners within the community
  Conduct a vulnerability analysis. Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling programs can
help estimate current flood risk and potential future risk with climate induced changes
while presenting the data in an easy-to-understand graphical format. The modeling
produces maps that indicate where flood-prone areas are located, which can then be
confirmed with past observations and used to evaluate alternatives to minimize flooding.

2. Preparedness:

Preparedness activities are intended to achieve a sense of readiness for the flooding emergency.
There are several ways to get ready:

 Develop a plan. Emergency preparedness plans should be tailored to address the specific needs
of the community. Communities are required by FEMA to develop a hazard mitigation plan and
update it every five years, but that doesn’t mean you’re covered.
 Stockpile materials. Your community’s emergency response plan should identify materials
needed to respond to several types of emergencies. In the case of flooding, these materials
typically include pumps, sandbags, and earth fill for temporary levees, but it should also include
food, water, and clean-up kits.
 Practice makes perfect. Conduct an emergency exercise to identify deficiencies in your plan
and update it accordingly.

3. Response:

The response phase of emergency flood management involves providing immediate assistance,
such as emergency relief and search and rescue. The specific activities of this phase depend on
the community’s characteristics, but the primary goal is to meet people’s basic needs until
recovery begins.

4. Recovery:

Typical recovery actions bridge the gap between emergency and normalcy. These actions can
include providing temporary housing, reconstruction, event counseling, and education.

Conclusion:-

Flooding is a significant global risk. A suite of strategies and a mix of supporting

policy instruments is required to effectively share, reduce, and manage flood risk. In
selecting policy instruments, governments must consider not only the projected
effectiveness of these instruments in achieving the intended objectives, but also their
social acceptability, which underpins their legitimacy and influences outcomes at the
implementation stage.