Flood misery hits large areas of Britain, with more to come

16 January 2008

Swathes of Britain are flooded – or on flood alert – after torrential rain and forecasts of more to come.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said the situation was not as bad as last summer, but warned: ‘The problems will continue throughout the week.

The next few days will be crucial.’ Flood defences which were too slow to go up in Upton-upon-Severn last summer have, this time, been deployed in time in the Worcestershire town. Elsewhere, much of Wales was affected by floods last week, and was set to be hit again.

A spokesman for Powys County Council warned of the likelihood of surface water flooding.

‘Preventatively, there is not a great deal we can do,’ he said. ‘Even if we cleared every culvert in the county, the sheer volume of water and debris coming down from the hills would see them blocked again within a couple of hours. We are reacting to reports of flooding and preparing sand bags to protect buildings, and diversions for roads and bridges known to flood.

‘It’s not yet clear whether flooding will be across the whole region or more localised. We will react as and when we become aware of problems.’ Wales is the latest area being updated on the Environment Agency’s flood map.

The EA is using laser technology to update its map, which highlights areas at risk from flooding. It is thought that the more accurate map will better predict which areas will flood, allowing authorities and resident to be better prepared.

The map is an ongoing project and by March the whole of the area at risk from tidal flooding will have been updated and available on the internet, together with 600km of river remodelled.

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Flood misery hits large areas of Britain, with more to come

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