Title:
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An evaluation of the secondary stressors impacting flood-affected
residents and businesses within the island of Ireland
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Widespread flooding throughout the island of Ireland during Winter 2015/2016 demonstrated
the substantial financial and social consequences for communities, resulting in the temporary
displacement of numerous residents and extended disruption to business trading.
Following a flood event, a series of persistent problems often emerge, such as difficulties
associated with renewing flood insurance policies. These persevering problems are secondary
stressors, which are ongoing implications indirectly linked to a defined prior event, potentially
contributing to psychological stress among affected individuals and hindering continuation of
normal daily activities. As yet insubstantial quantification of flood-related secondary stressors
has been conducted, hence it is challenging to establish where government resources are best
employed. Furthermore, despite the existence of various studies examining the psychological
health consequences of flooding on residents, limited research has assessed the implications
for persons in charge of businesses.
This research investigates the secondary stressors experienced by flood-affected residents and
businesses within the island of Ireland, appraising the psychological health implications.
Evaluation of preparedness and community resilience is undertaken, as well as consideration
of the current effectiveness of flood-related social media communication by organisations in
Northern Ireland. A mixed-method research design consisting of questionnaire surveys,
interviews and social media data extraction was used to collect the empirical data. Qualitative
data analysis was conducted using NVivo, whereas quantitative data analysis was undertaken
using SPSS. Quantitative data analysis included the conduction of Principal Component
Analysis and the calculation of Relative Importance Indices.
A number of key findings emerged from the data analysis. Residents and persons in charge of
businesses are affected by a wide range of secondary stressors, many of which have the
potential to result in the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Nevertheless,
business owners and managers are at a lower risk of developing PTSD in comparison to
residents. Significantly, perception of future flood risk is low among residents and businesses
and current flood warning mechanisms are insufficient, with the potential to intensify the
impact of secondary stressors. Furthermore, the limited uptake of flood resilience and
resistance measures and the inadequacy of community flood resilience within flood risk areas
increases vulnerability to future flood events. Additionally, analysis concluded that the full
potential of social media as a communication tool in relation to flooding is not being met in
Northern Ireland.
The findings have substantial implications for policy makers; prompting recommendations
concerning development of specific flood guidance in Northern Ireland, official records
detailing flood-affected businesses and clear guidelines for organisational use of social media
in relation to flooding. Furthermore, practical recommendations are outlined including
developing community consultation, increasing understanding of flood insurance policies,
reviewing current post-flood financial assistance schemes, improving flood risk awareness and
enhancing community resilience via social media.
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