8 months, with about 92% of the cases being reported in Karachi. At least 10 more dengue cases had been reported in the city during flood. COVID-related disruptions severely impeding diagnosis and treatment of the diseases, access to relief from floods as well as affordability of mosquito nets. These infectious diseases could be devastating for an already weakened health care system in Pakistan. Studies have shown that the amount of rainfall is the single most crucial factor for dengue virus transmission. Water retained on rooftops and containers after heavy rain episodes become the ideal breeding spots for Aedes mosquitoes, which unfortunately, was also the source of drinking water for refugees due to the turning off of underground water tank. Different water and vector borne diseases had already emerged after heavy flooding, such as dengue, malaria, diarrhea, typhoid and hepatitis. Without urgent large scale disinfection programs, a sharp spike in disease could be seen in few months. Long-term Consequences Mortality rates were found to increase by up to 50% in the first year post-flood. Evidence shows that there are seven diseases will increase significantly in the wake of flood: diarrhea, skin, eye infections, leptospirosis, malaria, leishmaniasis, respiratory infections and hepatitis, particularly in areas with poor hygiene and displaced populations. Psychological distress in survivors (prevalence 8.6% to 53% two years post-flood) can also exacerbate their physical illness. There is a need for effective policies to reduce and prevent flood-related morbidity and mortality, contingent upon the improved understanding of potential health impacts of floods. Global trends in urbanization, burden of disease, malnutrition and maternal and child health must be better reflected in flood preparedness and mitigation programs. See also Climate of Karachi 2009 Karachi floods 2017 Karachi floods References 2020 disasters in Pakistan 2020 in Sindh 2020 floods August 2020 events in Pakistan Disasters in Sindh Floods in Pakistan