Over the weekend, more than 11,000 people were evacuated in Andalucía and Extremadura due to the threat of flooding caused by storms Leonardo and Marta. While preventive measures have mitigated the potential disaster of direct impact from the floods, the psychological aftermath of such extreme weather events poses significant risks. Experts in mental health are warning that many individuals affected may experience issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety due to the disruptions in their daily lives as they have been displaced from their homes.

Daniel Cuesta Lozano, a professor of Mental Health and Public Health at the University of Alcalá, highlights that these "invisible but painful marks" require urgent attention and sustained governmental support. The article notes that while there is a focus on adapting to new climatic realities, the psychological health of affected individuals needs to be prioritized to address the long-term effects of these natural disasters. The need for comprehensive mental health strategies post-flooding is crucial to ensure that communities can recover effectively.

The research gathered following previous flooding events, such as the Dana in Valencia, underscores the necessity for an evidence-based approach to mental health care in the aftermath of disasters. It is essential for authorities to recognize and implement measures that not only focus on immediate physical safety but also on ensuring psychological well-being for those impacted, ensuring holistic disaster preparedness and response.