Human impact of flooding revealed

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Losing personal belongings through flooding has a greater impact on householders than the financial cost to their property, a new study has found.

The loss of sentimental items such as family photographs was one of the most upsetting consequences of flooding, Dundee University researchers revealed.

The study was based on surveys carried out with 1,200 households in areas that were flooded between 1993 and 2005.

The Scottish Executive said the study would inform flood prevention schemes.

Stress, anxiety and living in temporary accommodation were also rated more stressful than issues such as the price of repairs and reduced house value.

Recovering from the impact of flooding can take many years Professor Alan WerrityDundee University

The research, which was carried out by the university's geography department, was commissioned by the executive to assess the range of impacts that recent flooding in Scotland had on people.

The questionnaires were sent to properties in Brechin, Edinburgh, Forres, Elgin, Glasgow-Shettleston, Hawick and Perth.

"This study has sought to portray 'the human face of flooding', hitherto neglected in previous studies on flooding in Scotland," Professor Alan Werritty said.

"For most flood victims insurance eventually covers the material costs but the family photos gone forever, the anxiety and stress of trying to get back to normal, the worry about another flood - these are the impacts of flooding that hit hardest.

"Recovering from them can take many years."

Worst affected

He said the elderly and vulnerable were normally the worst affected.

The study recommended further research on the immediate and long-term physical and mental health impacts of flooding in Scotland.

It also called for flood warning systems to be extended to all communities at risk.

Researchers noted that direct methods of warning, including officials knocking on doors and media messages, were favoured.

An executive spokesman said: "This research strengthens our understanding of the human dimension of flooding and will usefully inform technical guidance on flood prevention schemes."