Flooding: Morpeth Flashcards
1
Q
Where was it
A
Morpeth
2
Q
When was it?
A
2008
3
Q
Why was Morpeth vulnerable to the effects of floods?
A
Flood defences had not been improved/developed since the 1960s.
4
Q
What were causes of the flood?
A
- prolonged rainfall, 150mm in two days
- steep valley, surface runoff into river
- intercedent rainfall, ground saturated
- increased urbanisation, impermeable ground
- lag time of only 8 hours
5
Q
What management strategies were used?
A
- Flood walls were made higher
- poles placed in river to catch debris
- culverts cleared
- upstream reservoir constructed
6
Q
What social effects were there?
A
- more than 1000 houses were affected
- 400 residents were evacuated
7
Q
What economic impacts were there?
A
- damages estimated to be over £10 million
- farming losses estimated at over £1 million
