flooding in the uk somerset levels 2014
why does flooding happen ❓
urbanisation
impermable surface
steep valley sides
low lying ground
(rapid surface runoff)
where people take over and build cities and becomes urban
water fills up quicker because of the buildings
where the side of the valley is steep
flooding is faster because water runs quicker when it is steeper
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hard baked soils
impermeable when dried out
when it is hot cracks start appearing and blocks the water from coming through.
deforestation
where trees are cut down
the trees stop the rain from getting to the ground
impacts of the 2014 floods
social
environmental
econonmic
damages cost around £10million
600 houses flooded
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16 farms evacuated
residents lived in temporary accomidation for months
this would effect the people and the farmers as the people wouldn't have some of their food and the farmer wouldn't have his farm
if a house is flooded then it is normally beyond repair
they were most probably living with a lot of other people
impacts
long- term
immediate
a £20 million flood action plan has been launched by Somerset County Council who will work together with agencies to reduce the risk of future flooding
In March 2014 8km of the rivers tone and parratt were dredged to increase the capacity of the river channel
dredging is where you dig out the bottom of the river so that there is less likelyhood to be a flood
As the the floodwaters spread out over Somerset levels. homeowners coped as best as they could. Villagers cut of by by the floods used boats to go shopping or go to school. Local community groups and volunteers gave invaluable support
Road levels have been raised in places to maintain communications and enalble businesses to continue during future flood events
causes
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