Somerset Levels floods (UK weather event)

Question 1

Where is Somerset?

Answer 1

South-East England

Question 2

What are the Somerset levels?

Answer 2

An area of low-lying farmland and wetland

Question 3

What were three causes of the Somerset Levels floods?

Answer 3

Wettest January on record - 350mm fell in January and February
High tides and storm surges swept water up Bristol channel
Rivers had not been dredged for 20 years - clogged with sediment

Question 4

List 4 social impacts of the Somerset Levels floods

Answer 4

Over 600 homes flooded
16 farms evacuated
Residents evacuated to temporary accommodation for several months
Many people had power supplies cut off

Question 5

List 4 economic impacts of the Somerset Levels floods

Answer 5

Cost of damage estimated at more than £10 million
Over 14,000 hectares of agricultural land under water for 3-4 weeks
Bristol to Taunton railway line closed at Bridgewater
Local roads cut off

Question 6

List 3 environmental impacts of the Somerset Levels floods

Answer 6

Floodwaters were contaminated with sewage and other pollutants
Debris had to be cleared
Stagnant waters had to be collected for months

Question 7

List four immediate responses to the Somerset Levels floods

Answer 7

Villagers cut off by roads used boats to go shopping or attend schools
Homeowners coped as best they could e.g sand bags, moving valuables upstairs
Emergency services rescued people who were cut off by the floods in their homes
People evacuated

Question 8

List five long term responses to the Somerset Levels floods

Answer 8

£20 million flood action plan launched by Somerset county council
March 2014 - 8km of rivers dredged to increase capacity
Road levels raised in places to maintain communications and enable businesses to continue during floods
River banks are being raised and strengthened
In the longer term (by 2024) consideration will be given to a tidal barrage at Bridgewater