Flooding occurs when more rain falls that the land cannot absorb or if watercourses, drains and sewers are unable to cope with all the rain. Water levels are rising and flooding river banks. Coastal flooding can occur during storm surges or as a result of climate change.
Floodwaters are often polluted by sewage, chemicals and/or animal sewage if it is runoff from fields. Sewage rises and can escape through drains, as well as rodents. Polluted floodwaters can cause all sorts of infectious diseases, including diarrhoea.
Other risks include injuries, drowning, exposure to chemicals, being trapped in the flood, being without electricity or clean water, and the feelings of stress and anxiety caused by these situations. This can affect a wide range of people – the most vulnerable being toddlers, the elderly and those with health conditions already such as individuals on kidney dialysis and some with a weakened immune system. When areas have been hit by flooding, it can be difficult to supply those areas with food, water and electricity.
For more information, visit: Flooding