Floods linked to increased deaths from heart and lung disease, Australian-led research shows

Exclusive: Governments must protect people for weeks after event, researchers say, citing reduced access to health services and increased exposure to pathogens

• Victoria floods: thousands told to evacuate as flood waters rise in Gippsland days after region fought fires
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It has long been known there is an increased risk of communicable diseases after floods but a new Australian-led study shows people are also more likely to die from heart and lung disease about three to six weeks after a disaster.

That is likely to be due to reduced access to health services caused by road closures, along with increased exposure to black mould and other contaminants, including pathogens, researchers say.

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