Storm Desmond, UK Flashcards
1
Q
Causes
A
- > Warm moist air carried from the Caribbean to the UK driven by the jet stream
- > As the warm air ‘hit’ the Cumbrian Highlands, air was forced to rise very quickly, causing very heavy rainfall
2
Q
Environmental Impacts
A
- > Over 100 bridges were damaged, including 600-year-old Eamont Bridge
- > In Carlisle, home to 110,000 people, the River Eden broke its banks after reaching a record flow level
3
Q
Economic Impacts
A
- > Hundreds of businesses in Allerdale and Carlisle remained closed for over a year
- > Recovery cost £500 million and the insurance bill reached £1.3 billion
4
Q
Social Impacts
A
- > 700 families were unable to return to their homes for around 2 years
- > Positively, however, some communities were strengthened by the shared experience of struggle and recovery
5
Q
What management?
A
Flood defences have been strengthened throughout the region.
Affordable flood insurance has been made available
£5,000 grand was given to every flooded household and The Environment Agency (EA) is providing residents with improved flood warning information
