During rain and floods, unusual dangers to your children increase around them.

What I want to pay special attention to isWater accidents (drowning) in swollen rivers and irrigation channels. In addition, infectious diseases caused by flooded water, worsening of asthma, injuries, and psychological impacts caused by disasters have been reported.

Here, we summarize the key points that parents should know in the event of heavy rain and floods.

🌊 The most important thing to watch out for is water accidents (drowning).

In accidents involving children related to heavy rain and floods,Drowning is one of the critical dangers that directly threatens life.

Even after the rain has stopped, rivers and irrigation channels may continue to have high water levels and fast currents.

It has been reported that accidents occur, particularly among older children, triggered by behaviors such as "going to see" or "going to play in" swollen rivers and waterways.

👦 Keep children away from swollen rivers, irrigation canals, and gutters.
🚧 Do not enter flooded roads on foot or by car
👀 Don't let children go to the water alone
🏊 If you have a pool or similar structure at home, check for damage to fences and gates after heavy rain.

It is important to.

Just because the rain has stopped doesn't mean it's safe. Please continue to exercise caution until the water level has dropped sufficiently.

🦠 Be aware of infections caused by floodwater

Floodwaters and standing water may contain pathogens such as sewage, mud, bacteria, and protozoa.

If you touch contaminated water or accidentally swallow it,

🤢 Diarrhea
🤮 Vomiting
🌡️ Fever
😴 I'm feeling under the weather

Symptoms such as these may occur.

Depending on the causative pathogen,Symptoms may appear anywhere from a few days to about two weeks after coming into contact with contaminated water.

Additionally, overseas research has reported an increased risk of diarrhea in children under five who have been exposed to prolonged or large-scale floods.

💧 If the water supply is cut off or the tap water is cloudy, use drinking water that has been confirmed to be safe.
🔥 Use boiled water as needed
🧼 Wash your hands with soap and running water
👢 Do not let children play in flooded areas or mud.

It is important to.

If you experience a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms after coming into contact with contaminated water, please consult a medical professional, even if some time has passed.

Children with asthma should also watch out for coughs and wheezing

After heavy rain or flooding, humidity levels inside homes rise, andenvironments where mold grows easilyThat's how it works.

In addition, exposure to pollen, allergens, and airborne particles may vary depending on changes in weather conditions.

In studies involving children,Possibility of increased asthma exacerbations on rainy dayshave been reported. In addition, in homes where mold has developed following flooding, the effects can persist for a long time.

😷 Coughing more than usual
💨 Gasping for breath
🌙 Coughing gets worse at night
Coughing when exercising

Let's pay attention to changes such as.

💊 For children with asthma, it’s important to check the amount of medication left in their usual inhaler and make sure it’s ready for immediate use.

🩹 Watch out for injuries and chemicals in flooded areas

On flooded roads and in muddy water,

🔩 Metal Scrap
Glass shard
Wood chips
🧪 Oil and chemicals

may be mixed in.

If the water is cloudy, you cannot see your footing, which can lead to unexpected injuries.

The fundamental rule is to keep children out of flooded areas.

Also, when using a generator during a power outage,To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not use indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.

🧸 災害後は子どものこころの変化にも注意

Heavy rain, floods, and evacuation life can be major sources of stress for children.

After a disaster,

🌙 Can't sleep
😢 Being afraid
Reluctant to separate from parents
🧸 There are behaviors that look like regression to babyhood.
Restless and hard to concentrate

such as changes may be observed.

For many children, this settles down over time, but in some cases, anxiety, sleep disorders, and other symptoms may persist for a long time.

If symptoms are severe or persist for a long time, please consult your primary care physician or a specialist.

Things to check after heavy rain

🟢 Stay away from swollen rivers, irrigation canals, and gutters.
🟢 Do not enter flooded roads on foot or by car
Keep children away from dirty water and mud.
Use safe drinking water during water outages or turbid water events.
🟢 Check inhalers for children with asthma
🟢 In flooded areas, watch out for injuries from glass, metal fragments, etc.
🟢 Keep a close eye on changes in sleep and behavior after a disaster.

Even after the heavy rain stops, it takes time for water levels and the surrounding environment to return to normal.

It is important not to just think it is over when the rain stops, but to continue confirming safety for a while afterward.
If you experience any changes in your physical condition or have any concerning symptoms, please contact our clinic.

🌿 Psychological Changes in Children After a Frightening Experience: Age-Specific Reactions and What Families Can Do ―

References

1. Shenoi RP, McCallin T, Farrell C, et al. Prevention of Drowning: Technical Report. Pediatrics. 2026.
2. Hillers GM, Joy SC, Chatham-Stephens K, et al. Understanding Natural Disaster or Weather-Related Drowning Deaths Among Children. Pediatrics. 2024.
3. Girasek DC, Hargarten S. Prevention of and Emergency Response to Drowning. N Engl J Med. 2022.
4. Wu Y, Wen B, Gasevic D, et al. Climate Change, Floods, and Human Health. N Engl J Med. 2024.
5. Henning A, Kache S. Impact of the Climate Crisis on Childhood Health. Pediatrics in Review. 2025.
6. Luangnara A, et al. Impact of Flooding Events on Waterborne and Vector-Borne Infections: A Systematic Review. BMC Infect Dis. 2026.
7. Wang P, Asare EO, Pitzer VE, Dubrow R, Chen K. Floods and Diarrhea Risk in Young Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. JAMA Pediatr. 2023.
8. Schinasi LH, Kenyon CC, Moore K, et al. Heavy Precipitation and Asthma Exacerbation Risk Among Children. Environ Res. 2020.
9. Noah TL, Jaspers I. Climate Change and Childhood Asthma: A Scoping Review. Pediatric Pulmonology. 2025.
10. Hoffmann JA, Pergjika A, Burkhart K, et al. Supporting Children's Mental Health Needs in Disasters. Pediatrics. 2025.