Storm Desmond: Study to examine impact on survivors

Storm Desmond in December 2015 left a number of streets in Carlisle under water

A study has been set up to determine whether more could be done to help victims of extreme weather events such as Storm Desmond.

Researchers from the University of Cumbria are asking victims of Storm Desmond to complete a questionnaire.

It asks about its impact on mental well-being, the way communities work together and the affect on businesses.

The aim is to highlight areas that could be improved, from health and hygiene to future resilience.

Dr Mark Hoelterhoff, senior lecturer in applied psychology at the University of Cumbria, said some victims could still be suffering in silence, as sometimes symptoms did not emerge until months had passed.

He said: "Of course it's important after an event like that to say things like 'it's time to move on and pull things together'.

"It's also important to consider that sometimes it's not so easy to move on and there are people who are still struggling and still trying to cope."

The findings will be presented to various stakeholders, to help inform the continued debate as to how individuals and communities could become more resilient to future flood events.