The Loddon Mallee catchment is almost entirely within the Murray-Darling Basin and local floodplains. As a result, the region is prone to flooding and was significantly affected in 2022, with all nine LGAs being eligible for disaster recovery funding. There were also regions impacted by flooding after heavy rain in the 2023/2024 summer.
There are many resources available to help you find out what to do before, during, and after a flood.
1. Stay informed:
2. Put together a household emergency plan and kit
Resources:
Information on how to get your home flood ready and other information: Flood (ses.vic.gov.au)
Information on what to do before, during, and after a flood: Emergencies - floods - Better Health Channel
Communities can use their local flood guide to understand, prepare, and respond to their flood risk: Local Flood Guides (ses.vic.gov.au)
SES Loddon Mallee Region Emergency Response Plan: SES Generic Document Vertical
Check your local council’s website for flood information
1. Listen to the local ABC radio/ check VicEmergency website/app for any emergency information
2. If you’re planning on leaving, do so early – BEFORE floodwaters rise
3. For flood-proofing your home, get help and allow plenty of time:
4. Leaving:
5. Try to keep dry! Being wet and cold can lead to hypothermia (when your body temperature becomes dangerously low)
Resources:
Information on how to get your home flood ready and other information: Flood (ses.vic.gov.au)
Information on what to do before, during, and after a flood: Emergencies - floods - Better Health Channel
Returning home and clean up:
1. Keep listening to ABC radio for any updates
2. Avoid any areas that are still flooded
3. Consider damaged gas and electrical supplies: these hazards need to be declared safe by a qualified electrician / plumber. Do not use any gas / electrical appliances before having them checked
4. The structural integrity of your house may be affected: your home needs to be declared safe by a qualified building surveyor
5. Flooding may have caused sewage and dirty water to go inside your house. These areas will need to be cleaned and disinfected. Keep children and pets away until the cleaning is done
6. Beware of fallen or moved objects: make sure to wear sturdy, waterproof boots and rubber/leather gloves to protect yourself
7. Watch out for wild animals or insects including rodents and snakes that may be trapped in or around your house
8. Look out for mould which should be cleaned as soon as possible (more details below)
Water and food:
1. Local water supplies may be contaminated. Boil tap water until local water authorities declare the water safe to drink
2. Food may be contaminated by floodwater or have gone off due to power failures / power cuts
Resources:
Flood recovery information sheet - Loddon Shire Council
Information on what to do before, during, and after a flood: Emergencies - floods - Better Health Channel
Information on returning home safely: After a flood – returning home safely - Better Health Channel
Sewage overflows at home - Better Health Channel
After a flood – animal and insect related hazards - Better Health Channel
Power blackouts - generators, alternative appliances and carbon monoxide (health.vic.gov.au)
Floods are very stressful and it is normal to feel overwhelmed and in need of support during or after the event. Speak to your doctor, who will be able to help you access local and community mental health services.
Resources:
Looking after your mental health - Loddon Shire Council
Psychosocial support - Victorian Department of Health
Recovery services, wellbeing and support | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
Near-miss experiences and traumatic events - Better Health Channel
Damp conditions and water laying around can create an environment where mosquitoes can breed quickly and in large amounts.
Try not to be bitten by mosquitoes as they can carry a number of diseases.
See Bendigo Health Website - Mosquitoes for more information.
Resources:
Community Communications Kit - Floods and mosquitoes
The damp and moist conditions caused by flooding can cause a lot of mould growth.
Mould is a fungus that is present almost everywhere but grows a lot in wet or moist areas. It is not always easy to recognise: sometimes it looks like fuzz, but can also resemble a stain or discolouration.
When mould spreads, it produces tiny particles called spores which are carried in the air. They can cause health problems when people inhale them.
Common symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheeze, respiratory infections, and it can worsen asthma and allergic conditions. Exposure to mould is particularly risky for those with weakened immune systems, allergies, severe asthma, or other lung diseases.
As soon as you find mould, try to remove it. It can take some effort to do so and the underlying cause of the moist conditions that allowed it to grow should also be addressed. Get advice from your insurance company, and from the Environmental Health section of your local council on how to remove the mould.
Resources:
Mould and your health - Better Health Channel
Factsheet from Department of Health: Microsoft Word - English_After a flood mould and your health factsheet 2021 - FINAL.docx
Mould removal at home - Better Health Channel