3.7- 3.8 Somerset Flood

Question 1

What caused the Somerset floods in 2014?

Answer 1

➢ The wettest January since 1910
➢ 350mm of rain fell in January and February
➢ High tides and storm surges swept water up the rivers from the Bristol Channel
➢ Rivers had not been dredged for at least 20 years and had become clogged with sediment

Question 2

What were 3 social impacts of the flood?

Answer 2

➢ Over 600 houses flooded
➢ 16 farms evacuated
➢ Power supplies cut off

Question 3

What were the 3 economic impacts of the flood?

Answer 3

➢ The cost of the flood was estimated to be more than £10 million
➢ Over 14 000 ha of agricultural land underwater for 3-4 weeks
➢ Over 100 livestock evacuated

Question 4

What were 2 environmental impacts of the flood?

Answer 4

➢ Floodwaters were heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants including oil
➢ Huge amount of debris had to be cleared

Question 5

What were the immediate responses of the Somerset flood?

Answer 5

➢ Villagers cut off by the flood uses boats to go shopping

➢ Volunteers from local community groups gave invaluable support