Somerset levels floods 2014 Flashcards
Physical causes of the flooding
Prolonged heavy rainfall, January 2014 was the wettest on record
Saturated soils from prolonged rainfall meant water ran off quickly into rivers
High tides meant river water could not escape to sea
Human causes of flooding
Rivers (like River Tone) had not been dredged (bed cleared) for 20 years, reducing channel capacity
Urbanisation on the flood plain increased impermeable surfaces
Social impacts of flooding
600 homes flooded
Residents evacuated into temporary shelters
Villages like Muchelney were cut off
Some people could not get insurance pay outs after floods
Economic impacts of flooding
£100 million in damages
80% of businesses affected by flooding
£200 million lost in tourist industry
Bristol to Taunton railway was damaged and main roads were closed (less transport links)
Environmental impacts of flooding
Floodwater was contaminated with sewage, chemicals and oil
Ecosystems were destroyed
Soil was damaged by stagnant water, creating agricultural losses
Debris needed to be cleared from land
Immediate management strategies
Met Office issued flood warnings
Residents using sandbags to protect properties
Temporary pumps used to pump water back into rivers
Social media used to communicate news
Boats used to get help and food to stranded people
Long term management strategies
20 year Somerset and Moors Flood Action Plan was introduced (costing £100million)
Rivers Tone and Parrett were dredged (costing £6million)
Some road levels raised
Pumping stations made permanent
A tidal barrage will be made at Bridgwater
