Floods and mould

Climate change is contributing to changing flood risks in Australia, where extreme rainfall is projected to become more intense, and coastal flooding is set to increase due to rising sea levels¹. The worsening weather trends result in increased risks and vulnerabilities to our natural systems, our homes and our health.

We typically experience three different types of floods² in Australia:

Riverine floods: are caused by heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms and tropical cyclones. The land becomes so saturated with water that it can no longer be absorbed, so the excess flows into low-lying areas.

Flash floods: commonly occur in urban areas and are caused by an intense, short-lived downpour where drainage systems can’t cope with the deluge, resulting in roads and paved surfaces being submerged.

Coastal floods: occur when sea-levels rise above normal levels because of a low-pressure system or onshore winds.

Mould is a type of fungus that can grow in indoor and outdoor environments. The most common moulds are black, green and white, but they can change colour depending on age.

Floods bring about large amounts of water that pools and settles, creating the perfect conditions for mould spores to grow, especially in locations with high humidity and indoor areas with low ventilation. It is not uncommon for mould to appear on walls and absorbent surfaces, (such as carpets and bedding) within 24-48 hours of a flood.

Mould can cause damage to people’s homes and belongings, and can also cause health problems, leading to symptoms such as itchy eyes, wheezing, trouble breathing and skin irritation³. On rare occasions, mould can also cause damage to your lungs and airways.

Mould clean up and restoration work after a flood should be completed by trained and certified professionals who know how to assess and treat contamination. However, if it’s safe to do so, you can attempt to minimise further mould growth by opening doors and windows to increase ventilation and to help dry out the home. You can also use fans or air-conditioners on dry mode to speed up the process⁴. Where possible, you can also remove salvageable items from your home (such as carpets, chairs, clothes or drapes) to help prevent possible or further contamination following a flood.

If you’ve been impacted by a flood or storm surge and you have a policy with NRMA Insurance, you can make a claim with us online or over the phone.

To get started, we’ll need your policy details, an overview of what happened, and if you have any, photos of the damage sustained from the flood so that we can assist. If you don’t have everything on hand right away, that’s OK; we can get started with your personal details and go from there.

If your claim is accepted and we’re managing your repairs, we’ll appoint Indoor Environmental Professionals (IEP’s) to ensure your home is treated safely and thoroughly.