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Understanding and supporting the flood recovery process

This research explores how communities recover from flooding and identifies opportunities to improve support and long-term recovery.

From:
Environment Agency
Published:
3 November 2026
Category:
Increasing resilience to flooding
Topics:
Community participation, Community response and resilience, Flood risk governance, Insurance, Recovery and Resilience planning
Project status:
Completed
Project code:
FRS18200
Date of start:
1 April 2024
Date of completion:
1 June 2026

Documents

Understanding and supporting the flood recovery process - research report Understanding and supporting the flood recovery process - research summary slide pack

Summary

Flood recovery is a complex and long-term process that continues well beyond the emergency response.

This research looks at how people, communities and organisations experience and support recovery after flooding. It considers how recovery arrangements could be improved.

The research looked at recovery from the perspective of both organisations and flood-affected communities.

It included:

  • a review of more than 100 academic and non-academic publications
  • interviews with national stakeholders from government, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and the insurance sector
  • case studies in Bewdley, Looe, Sparkhill and Stockdalewath involving residents, businesses and local stakeholders

Main findings

The research shows that flood recovery should be recognised as a core part of flood and coastal erosion risk management.

The research found that:

  • recovering from a flood is rarely a straightforward process and can continue for many years after a flood
  • recovery often involves adapting to changed circumstances rather than returning to how things were before the flood
  • people affected by flooding go through substantial practical, emotional and administrative work to recover their homes, businesses and daily lives
  • mental health impacts, including anxiety and stress, can continue long after physical repairs are complete
  • recovery experiences vary significantly between places and social groups, with some communities facing greater barriers to support
  • community networks, social connections and local action can play a critical role in supporting recovery
  • effective recovery support includes clear communication, a visible and accessible presence from supporting organisations, coordinated working between agencies, and long-term engagement with communities

The research also identified opportunities to improve recovery support, including:

  • better communication and coordination between organisations
  • improved access to mental health and wellbeing support
  • greater support for resilient repair and rebuilding
  • more consistent administration of grants and recovery schemes
  • better support for vulnerable groups, businesses and children
  • better integration of recovery across wider flood and coastal erosion risk management activities

This research is for organisations involved in flood recovery, including local authorities, emergency responders, flood risk management authorities, community organisations, insurers and policymakers. It can help these organisations improve flood recovery and strengthen resilience to future flooding.

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