somerset levels floods - example

• Give a social effect of the flooding.

  600 homes were flooded.
• Give an economic effect of the flooding.

  Over 14,000 hectares of agricultural land was flooded.
• Give an environmental effect of the flooding.

  Rivers were contaminated with sewage, oils and chemicals.
• What were the causes of the flooding?

  A powerful atlantic jet stream drove low pressure storms over the UK causing prolonged periods of heavy rainfall. December was twice the average monthly rainfall leading to over saturated soil. Additionally, rivers had not been dredged in 20 years so sediment built up and reduced capacity, increasing flood risk.
• What management strategies were put in place to reduce the risk of future floods?

  • River banks were raised and strengthened
  • Roads were raised
  • Flood defences were built for communities at risk
  • Plans for a tidal barrage at Bridgwater