Released 22
November: Environment Agency teams are stepping
up inspections on flood defences, as river
levels across Cumbria fall following rain
through yesterday and last night.
The Environment Agency
is continuing to closely monitor river levels
ahead of some heavy rain which is forecast
for the rest of today. Rainfall totals of
40 to 50mm are predicted over upland areas
of Cumbria, although river levels are not
expected to return to those experienced
on Thursday and Friday. River levels across
the region are expected to remain relatively
high for the next few days, particularly
the Eamont and Derwent, which are fed by
the Lakes.
Flood defences
Initial inspections of flood defences suggest
that they have not been damaged and are
in a good condition to provide continued
protection. The Environment Agency has also
said the phenomenal rainfall would have
overwhelmed any defence and that dredging
the river at Cockermouth would have made
‘no difference whatsoever’ to the flooding
of the last few days. Dredging in fast-flowing
rivers is an ineffective way to reduce flood
risk. The decision had nothing to do with
the presence of salmon in the river.
Following the floods
of January 2005, the Environment Agency
raised defences in Cockermouth, investing
£100,000 to provide extra protection
to a 1 in a 100 year event. Contrary to
media reports, there are no outstanding
works to further upgrade these defences.
Environment Agency officers
are also checking flood defences, inspecting
reservoirs, deploying pumping equipment
and clearing debris from drainage grates.
Environment Agency warnings
Since Wednesday, the Environment Agency
has made more than 57,000 calls to homes
and businesses warning them of the threat
of flooding. The Environment Agency’s Floodline
has received almost 20,000 calls from members
of the public.
Elsewhere in the country,
river levels on the Severn are being closely
monitored and the Environment Agency has
deployed temporary defences to protect properties
in Shrewsbury and Bewdley (Severnside North).
The Environment Agency is also warning that
more surface water flooding problems may
develop as strong winds dislodge leaves
and branches, blocking local drainage systems
which can then become overwhelmed.
David Jordan, Director
of Operations at the Environment Agency,
said: “Our thoughts are with those people
whose homes have been flooded and our officers
from around the country have been working
around the clock to minimise flood damage.
We are now assessing the damage and checking
flood defence, and will be working with
emergency services and local authorities
to get people back into their homes as quickly
as possible.
“The rainfall levels
we saw on Thursday and Friday were unprecedented,
the highest ever recorded in the UK. They
washed away road bridges that had stood
for decades and no defence could have prevented
the flooding we’ve seen.
“While conditions in
Cumbria are improving, more heavy rain is
forecast and severe flood warnings remain
in place. We are urging people to remain
vigilant and be prepared to take action
if necessary. Anyone concerned about flooding
should visit the Environment Agency’s website
for more information or call our Floodline
on 0845 988 1188.”
There are now 4 Severe
Flood Warnings for:
Severe Flood Warning:
River Greta at Keswick, Crosthwaite and
Limepots Road, High Hill and Church Lane
Areas.
Severe Flood Warning: River Cocker at Cockermouth.
Severe Flood Warning: River Eamont at Eamont
Bridge, Kemplay Foot, Skirsgill Lane and
Southwaite Green Mill.
Severe Flood Warning: River Cocker at Southwaite
Bridge.
The Environment Agency also has nine flood
warnings and 51 flood watches in place.
ENDS
Media enquiries: 020
7863 8710 or outside normal office hours
on 07798 882 092
Notes to editors
What should people do to prepare for flooding?
Check if you are in a flood risk area
Enter your postcode on our am I at risk
pages to view our flood risk maps and to
see if your property is in an area at risk
of flooding from rivers and the sea.
Get further essential
information on what to do before, during
and after a flood on our flood pages.
Sign up to Floodline
Warnings Direct
Our free service provides flood warnings
direct to homes at risk of sea or river
flooding by telephone, mobile, email, SMS
text message, fax or pager. As well as signing
up for warnings, you can get simple advice
on what to do before, during and after a
flood. Call 0845 988 1188 to find out if
you are at risk.
Make an emergency flood
plan
Flooding happens quickly and often when
you least expect it. It's easy to lose each
other at time like this. Preparing an emergency
flood plan will help you through a serious
situation. Creating the plan with your children,
explaining what to do and even practising
the plan will prepare them for the time
when you may need it.
Check your insurance
cover and confirm that you are covered for
flooding.
Know how to turn off
your gas, electricity and water mains supplies
Prepare a flood kit
of essentials items
This could include copies of insurance documents,
a torch, a wind up or battery radio, warm
waterproof clothing and blankets, prescription
medication, bottled water and non-perishable
foods, baby food and baby care items, important
contact details. More information at
Keep a list with all
your important contacts to hand.
Think about what you
can move now
Move items of personal value such as photo
albums, family videos and treasured mementos
to a safe place.
Flood-proof your home
There are things you can do to your property
that will make it easier and cheaper to
clean up after a flood: Raise the height
of electrical sockets to 1.5 metres above
ground floor level. Use lime plaster instead
of gypsum on walls. Fit stainless steel
or plastic kitchens instead of chipboard
ones. Position any main parts of a heating
or ventilation system, like a boiler, upstairs.
Fit non-return valves to all drains and
water inlet pipes. Replace wooden window
frames and doors with synthetic ones. Find
more information on flood-proofing your
home
Use temporary flood
protection equipment:
Flood protection equipment can help restrict
flood water. Plastic covers to seal airbricks
can stop flood water coming in through your
airbricks. Sandbags may be provided by your
local council or you can buy your own, or
fill pillowcases and plastic bags with earth.
Floodboards fix to frames around windows
and doors. They can be washed, stored and
used again.
