Emergencies Floods

Overview

A flood emergency is when rising water or heavy rain puts people, homes, roads and services at risk. The danger is not just the water. Floods can cause injuries, spread germs, damage electricity and gas supplies, and lead to stress. This article explains how to stay safe during and after a flood and when to get medical help.

Floods are among the most common natural emergencies worldwide. They can happen anywhere, often with little warning.

Anyone in or near a flooded area can be affected. Some people are at higher risk, including older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and people who live alone or have limited money or transport.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Cuts, scrapes or puncture wounds from hidden objects in floodwater
• Diarrhea, vomiting or stomach cramps from contaminated water or food
• Skin rash or irritation from contact with dirty water
• Cough, wheeze or shortness of breath, especially if mold has grown indoors
• Headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion, which can be signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (a gas you cannot see or smell)
• Feeling cold, shivering, tired or confused, which can be signs of hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature)
• Anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling overwhelmed or distressed

Symptoms in children

• Children may be more likely to play near floodwater and may not understand the dangers.
• Watch for diarrhea, vomiting, fever, rash, cough or unusual sleepiness.
• Keep children away from floodwater, generators, damaged electrical equipment and mold.
• Children may show stress by clinging, bedwetting, tantrums or trouble sleeping.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults can get cold or dehydrated more quickly.
• Long-term conditions and mobility problems can make evacuation harder.
• Confusion, dizziness or weakness may be signs of serious illness, hypothermia or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Make sure they have enough water, food and their usual medicines, and help them reach medical care.

Causes

Main causes

• Heavy rain, storms, rivers overflowing, coastal flooding, or poor drainage
• Floodwater mixed with sewage, farm runoff, chemicals and sharp debris
• Damage to buildings, roads, power lines and gas supplies
• Use of generators, camping stoves or fuel-burning heaters indoors, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning
• Mold growth in damp buildings
• Stress and disruption to daily life, housing, work and healthcare

Risk factors

• Living in a low-lying area, near a river, coast or floodplain
• Older age, young children, pregnancy, disability or long-term health conditions
• Limited mobility, poor hearing or vision, or living alone
• Low income or lack of transport, which can make evacuation harder
• Mental health conditions or previous trauma
• Being a first responder or cleanup worker

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have a wound from floodwater, or a cut that is red, swollen, painful or leaking pus
• You have fever, diarrhea or vomiting that is not settling
• You have new or worsening breathing problems, or a cough that will not go away
• You feel very cold, confused, dizzy or weak
• You have a long-term condition that is getting worse, or your usual medicines were lost or damaged
• You feel unable to cope, very anxious, or have thoughts of harming yourself

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have been in contact with floodwater and feel unwell
• You need advice about vaccines, safe water, mold cleanup or returning home
• You have stress, anxiety or sleep problems that continue for more than a few weeks
• You need help replacing medicines or medical equipment

Diagnosis

There is no single test for a flood emergency. A healthcare professional will ask about your exposure to floodwater, any injuries, where you have been staying, and your symptoms. They will check your breathing, hydration, temperature, wounds and general health. If you have a long-term condition, they may review your medicines.

Tests that may be done

• A physical exam, including checking wounds, breathing, temperature and hydration
• Blood tests if there are signs of serious infection, dehydration or other illness
• A chest X-ray or breathing tests if you have ongoing cough or wheeze
• X-rays or scans for injuries
• Tests for specific infections if your clinician thinks they are needed

What to expect at your appointment

You may be seen in a clinic, urgent care center or hospital. Tell staff if you have been in floodwater, have a wound, or have been using a generator or fuel-burning device. This helps them assess you safely.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the problem. Most flood-related health issues are managed by cleaning wounds, replacing fluids, resting, keeping warm and treating infections if they occur. The most important step is to get away from the hazard and get safe shelter, clean water and support.

Self-care at home

• Move to a safe, dry place and follow local emergency advice.
• Wash your hands with soap and safe water before eating, drinking or preparing food.
• Clean small cuts and grazes with safe water and soap, then cover them. Seek medical advice for deep or dirty wounds.
• Drink safe water and eat food that has not touched floodwater. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Keep generators and fuel-burning devices outdoors, away from windows and doors.
• Air out and dry damp rooms. Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning mold if advised locally.
• Rest, stay warm, and check on neighbours and family.
• Ask your pharmacist or clinician before taking any medicine, especially if you have long-term conditions.

Medical treatments

Doctors may clean and treat wounds, give fluids for dehydration, treat infections if they develop, provide oxygen or breathing support for serious breathing problems, and treat hypothermia or carbon monoxide poisoning. Mental health support, such as talking therapies, can help with stress and trauma. If you take regular medicines and they were lost or damaged, ask a clinician or pharmacist how to get replacements safely. Do not start or stop any medicine without advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually needed for flood-related health problems. It may be needed for severe injuries, deep wounds, or complications from an infection. Your medical team will explain if this applies to you.

Living with this condition

Recovery after a flood can take time. Focus first on safe housing, clean water, food and medicines. Keep important documents and contact numbers in a waterproof bag. Make a simple plan for what you will do if water rises again.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a small emergency kit with water, food, a torch, batteries, a first aid kit, and copies of prescriptions.
• Store medicines in a waterproof container if possible.
• Keep children and pets away from floodwater and cleanup areas.
• Use safe water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth. If unsure, boil or use an approved treatment method as advised locally.
• Wash hands often and keep wounds covered.
• Take breaks during cleanup and avoid lifting more than you can manage.
• Stay connected with friends, family and local support groups.

Diet and exercise

Eat regular meals and drink plenty of safe water. Choose foods that have not been exposed to floodwater. If you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, try to keep to your usual eating plan as much as possible. Gentle movement, such as short walks in a safe area, can help your mood and recovery. Do not do heavy cleanup work until you feel ready, and ask for help with lifting.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Floods can be frightening and can cause stress, grief, anxiety, trouble sleeping and feeling overwhelmed. These feelings are common. They often ease with time and support. If they continue, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek help straight away. In a mental health crisis, contact your local emergency number or a local crisis service.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent a flood, but you can reduce the risk of injury and illness. Follow local flood warnings, prepare an emergency plan, and never enter floodwater.

Vaccines

Your healthcare provider may recommend routine vaccines, such as tetanus, if you have a wound and are not up to date. Ask your local health service what you need.

Screening programmes

No special screening test is needed after a flood. If you have symptoms or a wound, ask a healthcare professional for a check-up.

Complications

If left untreated

• Wound infections, including tetanus, if cuts are not cleaned and checked
• Dehydration and serious illness from diarrhea and vomiting
• Breathing problems from mold or damp housing
• Carbon monoxide poisoning from using fuel-burning devices indoors
• Hypothermia from cold water or poor heating
• Stress, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress
• Worsening of long-term conditions if medicines or care are interrupted

Long-term outlook

Most people recover from flood emergencies with good safety, support and medical care. The days and weeks after a flood can be hard, but help is available. Taking things one step at a time and asking for support can make a real difference.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.