Moisissures et aspects psychologiques : à propos de cas extrêmes,les inondations de la Somme

The flooding in the Somme valley in the spring of 2001 was an exceptional event in that the water level remained raised for several weeks and entire families had to be evacuated for several months. A cross-sectional study carried out in partnership with several institutions had three principal objectives: to measure the impact of the flooding on the state of health and the quality of life of the affected population, to determine potential factors associated with the existence of psychological disturbances, and to identify the psychological elements at stake. Information obtained from three populations (those evacuated, those inundated, and those unharmed) in the zone studied revealed differences between the three groups: on the impact of flooding on their social life, on the behaviour of the children, on their general state of health, and on their mental health. Accordingly, an increase in the level of stress was found in those who were evacuated compared to those who were only inundated. Likewise, the data also showed a risk for the appearance of more anxiety and insomnia in those who were evacuated and those who were inundated compared to those who were unharmed. The level of danger played an essential role, as shown for example in terms of depression. In addition, this study also revealed that the affected people anticipated and had need for moral support and for a listener, for both of which there was a bigger demand than could be met. In conclusion, the results of this study will help us to decide which courses of action to take should such events reoccur in the future.