Understanding Drowning Fatalities in Odisha, India: A Data-Driven Approach

Background: Death, morbidity, or mortality are the three possible consequences of drowning, which is defined as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid. Drowning is the third most common unintentional injury-related death cause worldwide, accounting for around 320,000 deaths annually, or 7% of all injury-related deaths. Children 1-4 years old have the highest rate of drowning, followed by those 5-9 years old. Males are particularly at risk, with a drowning mortality rate twice that of females. Methods: Case information was extracted from secondary data collected from the Revenue & Disaster Management Department for the period from January 1, 2016, to December 30, 2022, in Odisha, with projections extended to 2042. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS. Between 2016 and 2023. Results: There were 7,721 identified drowning deaths in Odisha. Death rates due to drowning have risen each year. The number of deaths in 2017-18 nearly doubled compared to the previous year and then slowed until 2020-21, with an average annual increase of 172 deaths. In 2021-22, the number decreased to 1,209, before jumping to 1,738 in 2022-23. Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public health interventions to address this critical issue. The results suggest a need for effective drowning prevention strategies.