Psychosocial Aspects of the 2021 Flood Disaster in Euskirchen District, Germany: Strains, Resources, and the Role of Social Media

Abstract

Purpose: With the increasing frequency of disasters, the focus of this paper is on the acute and long-term stress and strain resulting from the 2021 flood disaster and the role of social media in this. Methods: Data was collected through group discussions in the context of world caf ́e sessions. In April 2023, three workshops were carried out with various groups of people in the Euskirchen district. Minutes and transcripts were analysed using Mayring’s qualitative content analysis. Results: The results indicate a high level of stress for those affected due to environmental, social and psychological factors on an analogue and digital dimension. The strain was usually recognised and acknowledged in the aftermath of the crisis situation. Conclusions: It is recommended that the inhibition threshold for mental health and psychosocial support be lowered further and that a psychosocial situation report be kept over a significantly longer period of time.