(R) Consequences of flooding in a HIC

Question 1

What were the human causes of flooding?

Answer 1

• building on flood plains (impermeable surfaces, surface run off)
• destruction of natural environments (deforestation) increases surface run off
• Cockermouth is built at the confluence of the Rivers Derwent and Cocker

Question 2

What were the social effects of flooding?

Answer 2

• 1 policeman died
• 1,300 directly affected
• homes without power, water
• 200 people airlifted from house roofs
• congestion for <2 years

Question 3

What were the economic effects of flooding?

Answer 3

• 6 bridges collapsed
• road bridge over River Derwent closed for 2 months
• cost >£100 million
• 1800 bridges needed inspecting
• Workington was cut off because 2 major bridges into it were destroyed

Question 4

What were the environmental effects of flooding?

Answer 4

• farmland was unusable
• 1m of mud/silt needed clearing from downstairs rooms
• homes flooded by <6ft of muddy water
• livestock killed
• pastures covered in rocks

Question 5

Where is Cockermouth?

Answer 5

Cockermouth is in the north west of England in the county of Cumbria. It is on the outskirts of the Lake District.

Question 6

What were the physical causes of flooding?

Answer 6

• 31.4 cm of rain fell over 24 h
• snowmelt from Cumbrian mountains
• steep sides of Cumbrian mountains helped water run rapidly towards the river
• the rivers Cocker and Derwent were already full from previous rainfall
• heavy rain, short bursts
• saturated ground

Question 7

What were the short term responses to flooding?

Answer 7

• searches for people
• emergency services responded
• media coverage
• army built temp. bridges
• temp. railway station
• 200 people airlifted from houses
• sandbags filled

Question 8

What were the long term responses to flooding?

Answer 8

• insurance increased
• roads resurfaced
• (6) bridges rebuilt
• 1800 bridges inspected