Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Flooding causes obvious physical destruction, but if the visible effects of destruction are so great, how much greater are the invisible? Looking at the history and preexisting effects of flooding on the environment, and using them to reveal potential long-term physical damages helps to make known its potential consequences on society. Delaware is a prime subject to examine; due to its long history of flooding, water has progressively consumed coastal lands during record-breaking coastal floods that are projected only to increase in magnitude. This review attempts to elucidate how social well-being in Delaware is being impacted by flooding and what is being done to alleviate the physical and social strain. In order to mitigate current distress, needs expressed in the microsystem have to be recognized and addressed. Professionals involved in the combative efforts have to recognize the importance of ensuring immediate safety for needs such as evacuation protocols, emergency transportation, nutritional security, and accommodations for physical and psychological needs. To prevent further destruction, it is vital to understand the functions of the natural environments (e.g. wetlands) in order to develop restorative practices that harness ecological processes already in place and therefore minimize the invasiveness of restoration and reduce long-term negative impacts. While a difficult issue to approach, through the collaborative efforts of professionals and community members, mitigation and restoration regarding the effects of flooding can lead to an alleviation of social and physical burdens.
Recommended Citation
Paolino, Daniela, "267 - An Investigation of the Impact on Human Well-being by Flooding in Delaware" (2025). GREAT Day Posters. 80.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2025/posters-2025/80
267 - An Investigation of the Impact on Human Well-being by Flooding in Delaware
Flooding causes obvious physical destruction, but if the visible effects of destruction are so great, how much greater are the invisible? Looking at the history and preexisting effects of flooding on the environment, and using them to reveal potential long-term physical damages helps to make known its potential consequences on society. Delaware is a prime subject to examine; due to its long history of flooding, water has progressively consumed coastal lands during record-breaking coastal floods that are projected only to increase in magnitude. This review attempts to elucidate how social well-being in Delaware is being impacted by flooding and what is being done to alleviate the physical and social strain. In order to mitigate current distress, needs expressed in the microsystem have to be recognized and addressed. Professionals involved in the combative efforts have to recognize the importance of ensuring immediate safety for needs such as evacuation protocols, emergency transportation, nutritional security, and accommodations for physical and psychological needs. To prevent further destruction, it is vital to understand the functions of the natural environments (e.g. wetlands) in order to develop restorative practices that harness ecological processes already in place and therefore minimize the invasiveness of restoration and reduce long-term negative impacts. While a difficult issue to approach, through the collaborative efforts of professionals and community members, mitigation and restoration regarding the effects of flooding can lead to an alleviation of social and physical burdens.
Comments
Sponsored by Brenna McCaffrey