“Impacts go beyond physical health”, says doctor Marcela McGowan; ex-BBB volunteer in RS

After the rescues of flood victims in Rio Grande do Sul, the region now faces post-crisis challenges. Gynecologist and obstetrician Marcela McGowan is one of the volunteers who are helping homeless residents in shelters in the city of Canoas, in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre.

In an interview with CNN the former BBB highlighted the need for multidisciplinary assistance to deal with the consequences of floods, which go beyond physical health.

Demands in shelters

“We need all types of health assistance here. Canoas is going through a phase after these rescues, dealing with the issues of the rescued people who are now in shelters,” said the doctor.

McGowan explained that there are shelters with up to 8 thousand people living together, generating specific demands, such as care for sick children, pregnant women and people who need continuous medication. Furthermore, shelters still receive people rescued with problems related to exposure to water.

Emotional and psychological impacts

The obstetrician highlighted the importance of taking care of the mental health of victims, who experienced traumatic scenes and lost their belongings and emotional memories. “Many people had to enter the water and rescue loved ones. We will definitely have mental health issues and the need for psychological support,” she said.

McGowan also warned of the risks of waterborne diseases, such as leptospirosis and dengue fever, which can arise after exposure. Furthermore, there is the challenge of rebuilding homes, work and the lives of those affected.

Rebuilding Rio Grande do Sul

“Post-crisis work will still require a lot of effort to ensure that Rio Grande do Sul rebuilds itself and that people have the possibility of creating new stories for their lives”, concluded the doctor, reinforcing the need for multidisciplinary and supportive assistance during this period.