Survey on the Population's Needs and the Public Health Response During Floods in Germany 2002

In Brief A survey after the 2002 flood in Germany identifies contact with floodwater as a risk factor for diarrhea and injuries and shows that the affected population valued the given professional support in securing homes and cleanup work. Evacuations were well tolerated. Information reached the population mainly through loudspeakers, radio, and TV. The article provides a survey after the 2002 flood in Germany that identifies contact with floodwater as a risk factor for diarrhea and injuries. In addition, it shows that the affected population valued the given professional support in securing homes and cleanup work. The recommendations may be used for preparing adequate public health response to similar natural disasters in other countries.