Perceptions and narratives about psychosocial impacts following the 2021 flooding in Belgium

Abstract Background The 2021 floods in Belgium, triggered by unprecedented rainfall, marked the deadliest natural disaster in the nation's history, affecting over 200 municipalities and displacing tens of thousands. This study focuses on the Vesder Valley to examine psychosocial impacts within the broader context of climate change-induced extreme weather. International frameworks, including the SDGs and the European Green Deal, highlight the importance of integrating psychosocial support into disaster resilience strategies. Methods A qualitative methodology was applied through semi-structured interviews with 22 participants, including affected residents, civil society actors, local officials, and frontline responders. Thematic analysis was conducted using inductive coding in NVivo 14. The data reveal a range of psychosocial effects, such as emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD-like symptoms, substance use, and heightened vulnerability, particularly among individuals of lower socioeconomic status. Frontline professionals, including health workers and firefighters, experienced notable emotional and physical strain, reflecting a dual burden on both affected populations and responders. Results Systemic barriers including bureaucratic delays, ambiguous role distribution, and restricted access to financial or insurance aid contributed to prolonged recovery and exacerbated psychological distress. In contrast, strong community solidarity played a crucial role in resilience, often mitigating gaps in formal support mechanisms. Conclusions The findings support the integration of culturally sensitive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) across all disaster phases. This approach should include targeted training, sustained care services, and equity-focused measures to address social vulnerability. Strengthening local networks and encouraging collaborative stakeholder efforts are essential for managing the evolving psychosocial impacts of climate-related disasters.