The Environment Agency continues to call on the public to
remain vigilant to the risk of significant flooding with warnings
and alerts still in place across England.
Current forecasts show conditions are expected to remain
unsettled, with further impacts expected across the country.
There are currently 64 flood warnings and 175 flood alerts
in place across the country, with rain and snow warnings in place
across the country for Wednesday and Thursday.
Multiple groundwater flood warnings remain in force
for Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Groundwater responds
slowly and may continue to cause prolonged disruption.
The Environment Agency continues to work in the region with
local councils, the water company and emergency responders
in response to flooding. Local residents are urged to avoid
driving through floodwater.
Last week, Floods Minister visited Langport in
Somerset, one of the areas most affected in recent weeks, to see
the impact of flooding on the local community.
Before agreed trigger points were reached, Environment Agency
teams proactively deployed pumps in locations across the Somerset
Levels and Moors, so they would be ready to reduce the impact of
flooding and stabilise water levels as soon as conditions
allowed.
Since then, our teams have steadily increased their deployment in
parts of the county. This includes Dunball where new pumps are
removing 10 cubic metres – or tonnes - of flood water a second to
lower river levels, alongside the existing tide gate. The
installation of further pumps will take pump capacity at Dunball
up to 15 cubic metres a second.
Alongside this, officers have been clearing vegetation,
removing obstructions in rivers, and erecting temporary
barriers where needed.
More widely, EA teams have been mobilised across the
country to check on other
flood defences, clear any river blockages and
closely monitor river levels. They have been working around the
clock to reduce the risk of flooding and will
continue to be out in force over the coming days.
At this time, we estimate around 340 properties
have been recorded as flooded and more
than 22,000 have been protected by defences since
late January. These numbers are subject to change as our teams
continue to verify the impacts on the ground.
Ben Lukey, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency,
said:
With another band of rain on its way, we need the public to
remain vigilant to the risk of flooding.
Significant groundwater flooding impacts are probable in parts of
Dorset and Wiltshire, with minor groundwater impacts probable in
parts of Hampshire and West Sussex. Due to steadily rising
levels, minor groundwater flooding impacts are possible in Kent,
East Sussex and North Yorkshire.
Ongoing significant river impacts remain possible on the Somerset
Levels.
So far more than 22,000 homes and business have been
protected but sadly around 340 have suffered flooding
and our thoughts are with those communities affected. Our teams
will continue to do all they can to support local people, with
pumps, temporary barriers and by clearing waterways to ensure
flood water can drain away.
It is extremely dangerous to drive through flood water - we urge
drivers not to do so.
Floods Minister said:
Flooding is devastating and my thoughts are with the people
affected, and I urge residents to follow local advice
over the next few days to ensure they stay safe.
I am in regular contact with the Environment Agency on their
response to the ongoing flooding who,
alongside local authorities and the emergency services, are
already taking action to keep communities safe.
To protect homes and businesses from future flooding
situations, this government is investing a record £10.5
billion to protect a further 900,000 properties by
2036. This is alongside reprioritising over £100
million to maintain existing flood assets.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will
review plans as the forecasts are updated.
As rainfall levels start to ease, some rivers, moors
and levels will respond slowly to previous rainfall and
therefore may continue to rise.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign
up to Get flood warnings by
text, phone or email. People can also call Floodline on 0345
988 1188.
Check for flooding - GOV.UK.
