FLOODING - Gloucestershire

Question 1

What were the causes of the flooding?

Answer 1

• River Avon and River Severn at a confluence.
• Population of 1 million on a floodplain.
  
  • Concrete decreases infiltration.
  • Increases surface runoff.
  • Decreases lag time.
• Rainfall near end of July:
  
  • 20th July, 2 months of rain in 14 hours.
  • Rainfall saturated upper layers, decreased infiltration.
  • Increased surface runoff.

Question 2

What were the human effects of the flood?

Answer 2

• 5000 homes and businesses flooded.
  
  • Increased homelessness.
  • Economy suffered as businesses closed or moved away.
• 500 commuters stranded at the train station. Other transport links flooded.
  
  • Caused loss of working days.
  • Couldn’t see families.
  • Repairing roads cost £25 million.
• 135,000 homes without running water for 17 days.
  
  • Caused social dissent - more than 180,000 insurance claims.
  • Productivity fell.

Question 3

What were the environmental effects of the flood?

Answer 3

• Open sewage transported by floodwater.
  
  • Caused eutrophication.
  • Disturbed local ecosystem.
• Mould and bacteria thrived in dampened conditions.
  
  • Disease to humans and animals.
  • Soil quality lowered.