Somerset Levels

• What is the case study for extreme UK weather events mentioned in the study material?

  Somerset Levels
• What were the causes of the extreme UK weather in Somerset Levels?

  A succession of areas of low pressure across the Atlantic Ocean brought wet weather lasting several weeks
• What significant weather event occurred in January 2014 in Somerset Levels?

  It was the wettest January since 1910
• How did high tides and storm surges affect the Somerset Levels?

  They swept water up the rivers from the Bristol Channel
• What was the condition of the rivers in Somerset Levels prior to the flooding?

  The rivers had not been dredged for at least 20 years and became clogged with sediment
• How many houses were flooded in the Somerset Levels?

  Over 600 houses were flooded
• How many farms were evacuated during the Somerset Levels flooding?

  16 farms were evacuated
• What was the impact on residents during the flooding in Somerset Levels?

  Residents were evacuated to temporary accommodation for several months
• Which villages were cut off during the Somerset Levels flooding?

  Villages like Moorland and Muchelney were cut off
• What was one of the social impacts of the flooding in Somerset Levels?

  People couldn't get to work or school
• What was the estimated cost of flood damage reported by Somerset County Council?

  More than £10 million
• How much farmland was underwater during the Somerset Levels flooding?

  Over 24,000 hectares of farmland were underwater for 3-4 weeks
• How many livestock were evacuated during the Somerset Levels flooding?

  Over 1,000 livestock were evacuated
• What transportation infrastructure was affected by the flooding in Somerset Levels?

  The Bristol to Taunton railway line was closed
• What were the environmental impacts of the flooding in Somerset Levels?

  Floodwaters were heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants
• What had to be done to the stagnant water collected during the flooding?

  It had to be reoxygenated before being pumped back into rivers
• What immediate response did villagers use to navigate during the flooding?

  Villagers used boats to go shopping or attend school
• What role did local community groups play during the flooding in Somerset Levels?

  They provided invaluable support
• What was one of the long-term responses to the flooding in Somerset Levels?

  A new flood defence was built at Aller Drove
• What was the cost of the tidal barrier built on the River Parrett?

  £65-80 million
• What was done to the River Tone and River Parrett as a long-term response to the flooding?

  An 8km stretch of both rivers was dredged to increase their carrying capacity
• What are the immediate and long-term responses to the flooding in Somerset Levels?

  Immediate responses:

  • Villagers used boats for transportation
  • Local community groups provided support

  
  

  Long-term responses:

  • New flood defence built at Aller Drove
  • £65-80 million tidal barrier on River Parrett
  • Permanent pumping sites established
  • Dredging of 8km stretch of River Tone and River Parrett