EN
This article shows changes in visual narratives of disasters related to the element of water, with narratives from the 1990s (documentary series) serving as a starting point. The basic context of the unfolding analysis comes in the form of global problems, primarily environmental ones, brought about by the Anthropocene epoch. Firstly, the context associated with mass media is presented. After that the article moves on to discussing environmental concerns as a megatrend in contemporary culture and theoretical concepts that are critical to our understanding of changes in the media attitude to and media discourse on disasters. Next, the rhetoric of media narratives of the water element is analysed along with changes in documentary narratives presented by the new media. Finally, new challenges are pointed out that come with the Anthropocene epoch.