Tewkesbury floods Flashcards
Date
22nd July 2007
Causes
Tewkesbury is on the confluence of the rivers Severn and Avon.
Long term rainfall due to persistent low pressure meant that ground was saturated and river levels were high.
230mm of rain fell in 24 hours.
Deaths
- As a father and son tried to pump water from the flood rugby club.
Loss of power
300 000 people were left without electricity for varying periods of time as an electricity sub-station came close to flooding.
Water issue
Mithir water treatment works was flooded resulting in 300 000 people losing clean drinking water.
Water responses.
Total response to the water issue cost Severn Trent £25 million.
They had to use 1400 water bowsers to provide clean drinking water.
The army were used to distribute bottled water (10l per person) to those in need.
The water treatment works was later protected via a new flood embankment and equipment raised off the ground.
Self -help
People lifted plug sockets and tiled downstairs areas so the clean up after other floods would be easy.
Many have placed flood gates on the front of their properties to help protect them.
Effects
300 000 without electricity and water.
2 killed
Cost the economy £3.2 billion
Loss of business for companies, particularly from tourism.
48 000 homes were flooded
Flooded agricultural land caused losses of £50 million
Long term responses
£4 million spent on a new flood wall to protect Upton upon Severn
Water treatment works protected via new embankments.
Flood warning system put in place to only warn people when flooding is likely.
Who responded?
RNLI RAF Army Supermarkets Local People Fire brigade Severn Trent Council
Short term responses
Water was handed out to those without mains supply.
GP services were moved to non-flooded council offices.
RNLI boats assisted in the rescue of many of those who were trapped.
RAF helicopters also rescued people.
