Somerset levels

• The 2014 flood on the Somerset Levels was caused by the wettest January since records began in 1910, high tides and storm surges, and rivers that had not been dredged for at least 20 years
• Impacts of the 2014 Somerset Levels flood

  • 600 houses flooded
  • 16 farms evacuated
  • Residents evacuated to temporary accommodations for several months
  • Villages such as Moorland and Mulchelney were cut off
  • Many people had power supplies cut off
  • Cost of flood damage estimated to be more then £10 million
  • Over 14 000 ha underwater for 3-4 weeks
  • Over 1000 livestock evacuated
  • Bristol – Taunton railway line closed at Bridgewater
  • Local roads cut off by floods
  • Floodwaters were heavily contaminated with sewage, oil, and chemicals
  • Huge amount of debris
  • Stagnant water that had collected for months had to be reoxygenated before being pumped back into the rivers
• Responses to the 2014 Somerset Levels flood

  • Villagers used boats to go shopping or attend school
  • £20 million Flood action Plan launched by somerset county council who will work together to reduce the risk of future flooding
  • March 2014: 8km of the rivers Tone and Parratt were dredged
  • Road levels raised in places to maintain communications and enable businesses to continue during floods
  • Riverbanks are being raised and strengthened with more pumping stations to be built