OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Who and What is Effected by Flooding?
Flooding can affect us all and have a wide range of impacts, such as:
- Risk to life, e.g., drowning, hypothermia or impact of floating debris
- Health, e.g., sickness from contaminated floodwaters and injury from floating debris
- Stress, e.g., depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder that may arise after severe flooding
- Damage to homes from floodwaters, including damage to the structure of buildings, contents and possessions and loss of valued personal items
- Damages to shops, businesses and industry, including direct damage to stock, plant, and equipment, as well as interruption to business and possible loss of profits or insolvency
- Risk of refused insurance cover or increased premiums or excesses
- Environmental damage arising from pollution from contaminated floodwaters or flooding of habitats
- Loss of our cultural heritage through damage to national monuments, listed buildings, places of interest, art, etc. from flooding
- Damage to our transport infrastructure, with associated repair costs
- Disruption to travel or inability to access properties because of flooded roads
- Interrupted supply of electricity, drinking water, gas and other utility supplies
The effects of flooding can be devastating, can include long-term personal problems as well as the immediate cost and trauma, and can effect anyone.
Be aware and be prepared (www.flooding.ie).