Somerset levels 2014

• Causes

  • 12 major storms between mid-December 2013 and mid-February 2014
  • prolonged heavy rainfall
  • river parret hadn't been dredged in 20 years
  • small river capacity
  • between two hills- quantocks and mendips
• Impacts

  • 600 homes effected- insurance premiums increase
  • Mulcheny- villages cut off
  • 6900 hectares of agricultural land were underwater for over 1 month
  • increased crime rate
• Responses

  • 62 pumps brought in from the Netherlands
  • 20 year flood action plan put in place
  • £30 million promised by the government to help with repairs
  • rescue boats with the army and navy were used to help stranded people