SOMERSET LEVELS 2014

• What are the Somerset Levels?

  Extensive low lying land between 2 areas of hills in South West England
• What makes the Somerset Levels susceptible to flooding?

  High drainage density and impermeable soils, the maximum altitude of any area is only 8 meters above sea level
• Why did the farmers claim flooding was common?

  Because the government hadn’t kept up with the dredging plans
• What is dredging?


  Removal of sediment from the bottom of the rivers to allow more area for water
• What was the main cause of the flooding in 2014?

  The stormiest period the area had seen in the last 20 years, with 6 major storms around the time of the floods
• How much rainfall did the Somerset Levels receive?

  3x the usual amount of rain
• How many homes were affected by the Somerset Levels flooding?

  165 homes
• What was the cost of damage to the Somerset Levels?

  £16 million
• What effects did the flood have on living in the Somerset Levels?

  Insurance premiums rose and property values reduced by a third
• How much money was given to the Environment agency to set up schemes?

  £20 million
• Media coverage pressured the government to get more involved with the response to the flooding in the Somerset Levels
• How much did the government dredge of the river Parret in response to the flood?

  8km
• What engineering took place to help the Somerset Levels?

  Upgrading of pumps to help drain the area