Climate change is increasing our exposure to fluvial flooding in Scotland. Physical and mental health are negatively impacted by flooding, with the greatest health impacts in the UK and Scotland on mental health. This CREW (Centre of Expertise for Waters) Policy Brief reviews the literature on the public health impacts of fluvial flooding, including physical and mental health impacts, and identifies factors that influence health resilience to flooding.

Key Scottish flood-related and public health policies were analysed to identify knowledge gaps and mechanisms to incorporate public health resilience to fluvial flooding in Scotland. To build health resilience in Scotland the research team recommend that further research is undertaken to understand health impacts on vulnerable groups (knowing who, where and when) and to implement this knowledge into localised flood emergency management, as a public health priority.