somerset levels flood

• Cause - Powerful atlantic jet stream drove low pressure storms over the UK, causing prolonged periods of heavy rainfall. December rainfall was double the average monthly rainfall, leading to over saturated soil.
• S - 600 homes were flooded
• S - Temporary accommodation was needed for several months for some residents
• Ec - Over 14000 hectares of agricultural land was flooded
• Ec - £10 million in damage
• Ec - Railway line was closed and roads were cut off
• En - Rivers were contaminated with sewage, oils and chemicals
• Management strategies to reduce flood risk:

  • River banks were raised and strengthened
  • Roads were raised
  • Somerset County Council pledged £20 million to a 20 year Flood Action Plan
  • Flood defences build for communities at risk