Sorry about that. I'd like to add more differences between difficulty modes in the future, including making Easy a bit less punishing (lowered enemy HP and stats compared to other difficulties.) I think I overtuned the enemies in Flooded Colony a bit in general, but big changes to that will have to wait for the next version unfortunately.
I'd recommend trying out what the other commenter suggested, if you'd still like to try and get through the 2nd area. But don't feel forced to.