Householders traumatised by ordeal, MPs told
VAGUE FLOOD defence objectives are leaving homes and businesses in England vulnerable to climate change while some residents are being left traumatised by their ordeals, according to a report published this week.
Some flooded-out residents said they suffer trauma and anxiety and they are left to cope after immediate help dries up, MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Select Committee heard. Clearer aims for flood resilience are needed to help protect over 5.2m homes and businesses in England which are currently at risk, the report states.
A long-term budget is also needed to maintain existing and future flood defences to cope with the extra stress climate change is putting on them.
Efra committee chairman
Neil Parish, who called for more work with local authorities to properly resource mental health services, said: “Affected communities told us about the support vacuum they felt in the aftermath of flooding. The waters receding do not repair the psychological, economic and physical impacts of flood damage.
“It is high time that the Government recognised this, and work with local authorities to properly resource mental health services for when the blue lights go.”
Flood damage can force many people out of their homes for nine months and disruption from Covid-19 has “exacerbated” the situation, campaigners say.
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