The Association of Resident Doctors, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, has warned of increased health risks following recent flooding in parts of Rivers State, urging residents to take precautions against possible disease outbreaks.

The association’s president, Dr Chris-Biriowu Harold, issued the warning during its Second Ordinary General Meeting, held under the theme, “Health Workers Security Summit.” He said flooding could create conditions that increase the spread of diseases, particularly in affected communities.

Harold specifically raised concerns about malaria in flood-prone areas, while also warning that destruction of crops could worsen food insecurity and increase hardship for residents whose livelihoods have been affected by the floods.

He urged residents to maintain clean surroundings and avoid dumping refuse in gutters and drainage channels, which can contribute to blocked waterways and worsen flooding. Recent interventions by the Rivers State Government have also focused on drainage problems, relief assistance and healthcare support for flood-affected communities.

The warning comes as health authorities and development partners have also been strengthening public-health preparedness in Rivers State. A recent UNICEF-supported exercise involving the NCDC, NEMA, Rivers health authorities and other stakeholders focused on flood and cholera preparedness, outbreak investigation and emergency response.

Beyond the flood-related health concerns, the resident doctors used the meeting to raise concerns about the safety of healthcare workers. Harold said the association was engaging security agencies to develop strategies for protecting doctors and other medical personnel from assault.

Representatives of the police and Nigerian Army at the summit also called for greater vigilance and stronger security arrangements at healthcare facilities. They advocated measures including hospital security committees, emergency alarms, screening at entry points, de-escalation training and the deployment of trained security personnel.