CS: Carlisle Floods - Jan 2005

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

• lies on floodplain of the R. Eden
  
  • annual precipitation: 2800mm (upper Eden), 760mm (Carlisle)
• 6-8th Jan: 15% annual rainfall fell in 36hrs
• winds up to 120mph: blowing down trees: widespread roads + river blockages
• discharge in Eden = max 1500 cumecs
• defences not built to withstand 1/170 yr event: flood levels in some areas ended up 1m higher than defences

Question 2

Immediate effects

Answer 2

• 3 deaths (2 drowned, 1 crushed by fallen tree)
• 1600 homes flooded (£100M)
• 6000 ppl rehoused
• 1150 trees fell
• roads + bridges closed (2 days)
• fire + police station flooded
• RAF + coastguard rescue teams evacuated ppl by boats + helicopter
• 2 schools seriously flood damaged: cost > £4M

Question 3

MT effects

Answer 3

• emergency repairs to flood defences
• 50 buses brought in from Northern Ireland + new fleet purchased
• shortage of 2nd hand cars
• shortage of rental properties: flooded residents paid to live upstairs in their houses
• inc in cases of depression

Question 4

LT effects

Answer 4

• reassessment of flood defence needs for the city: works expected to last 3 yrs, (cost £20M)
• plans to rebuild police station on new site
• plans to sig. alter city centre
• many small family firms closed down
• inc in household + car insurance premiums throughout the city