Abstract
A highly important but under researched impact of flood events is the long term psychological effect of the distress and trauma caused by damage and losses associated with repeated flooding of communities. As a part of the recovery process responders need to consider flooded households and offer support to mitigate against the stress of flooding. This research aims to consider how the risk of repeat flooding and flood memory can affect the needs of communities with respect to post disaster support. Previous research has identified a variety of influencing factors that affect the prevalence of mental health disorders in the aftermath of flooding. Using a structured literature review and novel conceptual model this research examines the role of flood experience and memory in the impact of flooding on mental health and the needs of flooded communities. It is found that the memory of previous flooding can influence future outcomes in a variety of ways, with some positive incentives towards actions that may result in lower damages in future events. These actions, that affect future trauma, have the potential to mitigate the impact of repeated flooding. Therefore appropriate post disaster needs assessment should not only identify vulnerable individuals but also take account of the risk of future flooding.
Highlights
The impact of flooding on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of communities can endure long after the loss and damage due to direct contact with floodwater is repaired
It seems intuitive to suggest that flood memory or experience of past flooding will have bearing on the severity of mental health impacts
Impact on the mental health of affected households, usually Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or anxiety, is often the largest health effect observed in the context of flood events
Summary
The impact of flooding on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of communities can endure long after the loss and damage due to direct contact with floodwater is repaired. The detailed level of understanding needed by responders and agencies in order to provide appropriate support throughout the disaster cycle is lacking [3,4,5] It is not entirely clear how the resources available to offset the longer term effects of flooding on the psychological resilience of individuals and communities should be directed. It seems intuitive to suggest that flood memory or experience of past flooding will have bearing on the severity of mental health impacts. Research in this area is lacking and it has been identified by the UK Health Protection Agency as an area in need of further research [11]
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