The Wire

Floods have serious health consequences include drowning, falls and injuries.

Chronic diseases such as diabetes or renal disease can also worsen as access to facilities fail

Exposure to contaminated floodwaters can lead to skin infections, while respiratory problems can occur due to mould and damp housing in the aftermath of floods.

Floods also create ideal conditions for mosquito borne infections such as Ross River virus and Murray Valley encephalitis, while also spreading infectious diseases including leptospirosis.