3.7 Somerset floods
3.7 Somerset floods
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What you need to know:
What you need to know:
The causes, impacts and responses to the 2014 Somerset floods
Why this matters:
Why this matters:
The Somerset floods highlight the critical need for flood risk management and adaptation strategies, especially as climate change increases the frequency and severity of such events.
What happened?
What happened?
The Somerset Levels are a coastal plain and wetland area in Somerset, England. It’s a landscape of rivers and wetlands
The area is very flat and has a maximum altitude of 8m above sea level.
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.
What were the causes of the floods?
What were the causes of the floods?
Physical: Several prolonged Atlantic storms happened in a row, with persistent rainfall and gale-force winds
Physical: This led to record rainfall in January and February
Physical: The rivers could not cope with the significant amount of rain that fell.
Human: The rivers had not been dredged for 20 years. This reduced the capacity of rivers to transport water, leading to flooding.
What were the social impacts of the floods?
What were the social impacts of the floods?
Over 600 houses flooded and 16 farms evacuated
Villages cut-off, disrupting school, work and communities
Power supply cut off
What were the economic impacts of the floods?
What were the economic impacts of the floods?
Over £10 million of damage
Local businesses lost £1 million
14,000 hectares of farmland flooded and 1000 livestock evacuated
Road and train networks were disrupted so people couldn't get to work
What were the environmental impacts of the floods?
What were the environmental impacts of the floods?
Massive debris cleanup required
Floodwaters were contaminated with sewage, oil and chemicals, disrupting ecosystems and habitats
What were the immediate responses to the floods?
What were the immediate responses to the floods?
The Met Office issued an Amber Warning so locals new to evacuate
People used sandbags to protect their homes from water.
Cut-off villagers used boats for transport
40 Royal Marines, community groups and volunteers gave out supplies
What were the longer-term responses to the floods?
What were the longer-term responses to the floods?
£20 million Flood Action Plan launched to reduce future risk
8KM of rivers dredged
Road levels raised
River banks raised to increase their capacity.
Summary
Summary
The 2014 Somerset floods were caused by prolonged heavy rainfall in an area known for its vulnerable, low-lying land.
The flooding led to extensive damage to property and infrastructure, with thousands of homes affected and widespread disruption to the community.
Long-term responses included investment in flood defense and river management to mitigate future flood risks.
It is a good example of how the UK is vulnerable to extreme weather
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