Menu
07/02/2014
Royal Marines Move To Athelney To Provide Flooding Assistance
Yesterday, Thursday 6th February, around 40 Royal Marines from 40 Commando, based in Taunton, moved to the village of Athelney to provide general flooding assistance.
The activities carried out by the Royal Marines overnight included delivering, filling and placing over 400 sandbags on the Somerset Levels in an attempt to improve flood defences. This morning, they have moved to Moorland, where they are using 2 Pinzgauer vehicles to help evacuate 140 properties.
The military are on high readiness, poised to receive further tasks as required. They remain engaged with the local community and in addition to the Royal Marines on the ground in Moorland, a number of military planners are working with the relevant agencies at a range of locations to scope what further support the military can offer.
Recent Met Office figures show that Somerset received more rainfall in December and January than it would normally receive over an entire winter, with the high tides experienced in early January and early February exaggerating the situation by preventing water from flowing out to sea, resulting in rivers overtopping their banks and flooding the surrounding land.
As a result, floodwater has covered over 65 square kilometres on the Somerset Levels, with hundreds of people having been affected. Around 200 people have been cut off in the villages of Muchelney, Thorney, Oathe, Stathe and North Moor.
Lieutenant Brendan Ford said: "We are happy to be here and happy to be helping. A number of us are from the Somerset region and we are pleased to assist a community which has always been so supportive of us."
(CD)
The activities carried out by the Royal Marines overnight included delivering, filling and placing over 400 sandbags on the Somerset Levels in an attempt to improve flood defences. This morning, they have moved to Moorland, where they are using 2 Pinzgauer vehicles to help evacuate 140 properties.
The military are on high readiness, poised to receive further tasks as required. They remain engaged with the local community and in addition to the Royal Marines on the ground in Moorland, a number of military planners are working with the relevant agencies at a range of locations to scope what further support the military can offer.
Recent Met Office figures show that Somerset received more rainfall in December and January than it would normally receive over an entire winter, with the high tides experienced in early January and early February exaggerating the situation by preventing water from flowing out to sea, resulting in rivers overtopping their banks and flooding the surrounding land.
As a result, floodwater has covered over 65 square kilometres on the Somerset Levels, with hundreds of people having been affected. Around 200 people have been cut off in the villages of Muchelney, Thorney, Oathe, Stathe and North Moor.
Lieutenant Brendan Ford said: "We are happy to be here and happy to be helping. A number of us are from the Somerset region and we are pleased to assist a community which has always been so supportive of us."
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 February 2014
Pumps To Tackle Somerset Levels Flooding
The Environment Agency has announced plans to bring in pumps from the Netherlands to begin the work of reducing water levels on the Somerset Levels, which have been flooded for over six weeks. The pumps will be used to divert water and reduce the water level of the River Tone.
Pumps To Tackle Somerset Levels Flooding
The Environment Agency has announced plans to bring in pumps from the Netherlands to begin the work of reducing water levels on the Somerset Levels, which have been flooded for over six weeks. The pumps will be used to divert water and reduce the water level of the River Tone.
24 January 2014
'Major Incident' Declared After Flooding In Somerset
Heavy rain has caused a "major incident" in Somerset, with many villages cut off by floods. The major incident was declared by the local council, understood to allow the council to mobilise extra support. It follows an earlier warning by the Environment Agency of "significant disruption" from a band of heavy rain passing over the area.
'Major Incident' Declared After Flooding In Somerset
Heavy rain has caused a "major incident" in Somerset, with many villages cut off by floods. The major incident was declared by the local council, understood to allow the council to mobilise extra support. It follows an earlier warning by the Environment Agency of "significant disruption" from a band of heavy rain passing over the area.
21 July 2015
Museum Remains Closed Following Flood
Alyth Museum in Perth & Kinross is to remain closed until further notice, the local authority has announced, after the venue was damaged by flash flooding last Friday, 17 July.
Museum Remains Closed Following Flood
Alyth Museum in Perth & Kinross is to remain closed until further notice, the local authority has announced, after the venue was damaged by flash flooding last Friday, 17 July.
03 February 2014
Severe Flood Warnings Remain
High sea levels, strong winds and large waves will increase the risk of coastal flooding this week, according to the Environment Agency. Severe flood warnings are in force for along the River Severn today, as high sea levels and heavy rain threaten to cause further flooding.
Severe Flood Warnings Remain
High sea levels, strong winds and large waves will increase the risk of coastal flooding this week, according to the Environment Agency. Severe flood warnings are in force for along the River Severn today, as high sea levels and heavy rain threaten to cause further flooding.
01 September 2006
Sewer flood warning as heavy rain is forecast
The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has urged water companies to prepare for potential sewer flooding as more heavy rain is forecast across England and Wales. The CCWater said that although sewer flooding is rare and the risk heavily localised, it probably represented the worst service failure than can happen to water and sewerage consumers.
Sewer flood warning as heavy rain is forecast
The Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) has urged water companies to prepare for potential sewer flooding as more heavy rain is forecast across England and Wales. The CCWater said that although sewer flooding is rare and the risk heavily localised, it probably represented the worst service failure than can happen to water and sewerage consumers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
