Chapter 3 - Flooding In Cumbria Flashcards
What’s the average rainfall range in the U.K.
700 mm to 2,500 mm
How many homes were affected by the flooding
More than 1,500 homes
What was the cause of the rainfall
A very deep Atlantic depression moving northeastwards over Scotland and northern England
Tell me about the rainfall in Cumbria
Cumbria has already received a months worth of average rainfall so soil was already very wet and saturated so much rainfall flowed down the steep slopes of the Lake District into its rivers for 36 hours
Water was flowing at a rate 25 times higher than normal average
The river cockers flow exceeded anything seen in the previous 30 years
What were the impacts of the rainfall for people
Social impacts
Police officer was killed when a bridge in Workington collapsed
1,500 homes flooded causing great distress
River water contaminated with sewage brought health risks
What were the economic impacts of the floods
Many buisnesses closed and did not reopen until long afterwards
Debris transported by the river destroyed 6 important regional bridges
What were the environmental impacts of the floods
At the peak flow, water erosion by the river Derwent triggered landslides along its bank.
The river tore loose and carried away hundreds of trees damaging local ecosystems and habitats
Tell me about the worst hit place during the floods in Cumbria in 2009
Town of cockermouth, caused £100 millions in damages including insurance claims, business losses and the cost of rebuilding roads and bridges
However when they were rebuilt the town centre and shop fronts looked smarter than before
How have management strategies to reduce risks of more flooding
New flood defences have been built at £4.5 million funded by central government and local community
A mobiles wall built so it can also disappear for river view for tourism and cafes and restaurant views
The environmental agency has Improved flood warning system - can send them directly to mobiles
Help local buisnesses get back on feet by paying for adverts in national newspaper and announcing Cumbria was open for business as usual
