Somerset Level Floods

• Where were the Somerset level floods

  The Somerset Levels are a coastal plain and wetland area in Somerset, England. Thousands of years ago, the area was covered by the sea, but today it’s a landscape of rivers and wetlands – artificially drained, irrigated and modified to allow productive farming. It is claimed that the Somerset Levels are one of the lowest areas in the UK. This is because much of the area lies below the high-water mark of spring tides. The area is very flat and has a maximum altitude of 8m above sea level.
• When was the Somerset level floods

  In January 2014, the Somerset Levels experienced floods greater than any other in living memory. Estimates suggest that 10% of the area was underwater when the flooding was greatest.
• Physical Causes

  A quick succession of prolonged Atlantic storms, with persistent rainfall and gale-force winds, was the primary cause of flooding. The rivers could not cope with the significant amount of rain that fell. High tides in the Bristol Channel and its narrowing also create tidal surges. These blocked the floodwater, trying to escape the Somerset Levels. Coastal defences coped with the tidal surges.
• Human Causes

  There had been less dredging of the river channels on the Somerset Levels leading up to 2014. However, as a result, the channels had risen due to sediment accumulation. This reduced the capacity of rivers to transport water, leading to flooding. Change in farming practices has also contributed to flooding. Much of the land has been converted from grassland to grow maise. This more intensive use of the land means it is less able to retain water, causing it to run over the surface rather than being absorbed.
• Social Impacts

  Over 600 homes and 16 farms were evacuated, resulting in many people requiring temporary accommodation, where many stayed for several months. In addition, several villages, such as Moorland and Muchelney, were cut off after roads were flooded. Power supplies were cut off during a time when temperatures were low.
• Economic Impacts

  • Cost of flood damage was over £10 million.
  • Over fourteen thousand hectares of agricultural land used for crops and grazing flooded for three to four weeks.
  • One thousand livestock were evacuated from the affected farms.
  • Many main roads were closed
  • Flooding disrupted train services on the main Bristol line
  • Fuel used to power emergency pumps cost £200 000 per week.
  • An estimated £1 million was lost by local businesses.
  • The Somerset floods cost the county’s tourism industry an estimated £200 million.
  • Nine hundred litres of fuel was stolen from a pumping station.
• Environmental Impacts 

  The environmental impact included the extensive contamination of floodwaters by sewage, oil, and various chemical pollutants. Following the recession of floodwaters, a significant amount of debris required clearing, while stagnant water accumulated over several months needed to be re-oxygenated before reintroduction into rivers. Failure to do so would have caused substantial harm to marine ecosystems. The soil was damaged after being underwater for nearly three months. In some areas, it took over two years to restore the soil before crops could be grown.
• Immediate responses

  • Met Office issued an amber warning. Many people used sandbags to protect their property and moved valuable items upstairs.
  • Rescue boats were used to help stranded people evacuate by the fire brigade who also visited hundreds of properties.
  • Additional police patrols were introduced as a result of increased crime.
  • The army and Marines was sent into the area with specialist equipment. They issued sandbags and distributed food.
  • Sixty-five pumps were used to drain 65 million m3 of floodwater.
  • Local people fundraising and the collection and distribution of food.
• Long Term Response

  The Somerset Levels and Moors Action Plan was developed and included measures such as reintroducing dredging, constructing a tidal barrage and additional permanent pumping stations. The scheme is part of a 20-year plan for the Somerset Levels and will total £100 million.