A hand-portable drying apparatus and method for use in a damp or waterlogged room, the apparatus including a housing having a carrying handle, the housing containing first and second airflow ducts arranged generally parallel to each other and having respective air inlet and air outlet ends, the apparatus further including means to force air through the ducts and to selectively heat it in at least one of the ducts, and valve means within the housing to selectively direct air from the first duct to the second duct whereby to move air from within the room received by the first duct back to the room via the second duct or to expel air from the room via the first duct to outside the room and draw in fresh air from outside the room via the second duct.