Health impacts of natural disasters
Australia is prone to natural disasters – like bushfires, severe storms and floods – which are becoming more frequent as a result of climate change.
These natural disasters often have serious effects on people’s health, including:
- burns and smoke inhalation
- water-borne diseases from contaminated flood waters
- mental health issues from trauma or stress.
Learn about:
- what you can do to prepare for natural disasters
- what support is available after a natural disaster.
Environmental impact of natural disasters
Natural disasters can affect our health long after the emergency is over. For example, there might be:
- issues with water quality after flooding or an oil spill
- exposure to asbestos during a bushfire.
Learn about the health effects of:
Learn more about what we’re doing to improve environmental health in Australia.
Responding to national natural disasters
If a natural disaster becomes a national emergency, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer may activate the National Incident Centre. This can happen when:
- health aspects of the incident need national coordination
- a natural disaster results in mass casualties
- we deploy Australian medical personnel to support local resources.
We publish health-related information about the emergency on our website to keep everyone informed.
The Australian Government has a Disaster Response Plan (COMDISPLAN). Under this plan, we provide non-financial help to affected states or territories when they are overwhelmed by an emergency or disaster.
Our role in this plan is related to the health aspects of the situation, including:
- monitoring emerging communicable disease issues and outbreaks
- providing specialist technical advice and expertise, such as
- epidemiological information
- advice on infection control
- sending medical assistance teams (AUSMAT)
- coordinating public health responses across different states and territories
- implementing human biosecurity and border health measures
- communicating with health sector partners and stakeholders
- meeting international health reporting obligations, particularly under the International Health Regulations
- managing the National Medical Stockpile and providing supplies to states and territories
- handling the logistics of aged care residents when evacuating or relocating.