MEDC flooding case study - Cumbria

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

Heavy rainfall: 325.4mms in 24 hours in Seathwaite (a UK record).
Urbanisation: particularly in Cockermouth (water cannot sink into ground and flows over roads.
Blocked drains and undredged rivers: The River Cocker and the River Derwent are both examples of undredged rivers.
Geology: most of the rock types in Cumbria are impermeable

Question 2

Environmental effects

Answer 2

Habitats flooded
Farmland and crops damaged.
Exposed pipes.

Question 3

Social effects

Answer 3

Evacuated from homes
Completely flooded houses
Communities isolated
Forced to take long detours to get aid to citizens

Question 4

Economic effects

Answer 4

Bridges collapsed
Roads impassable
Businesses damaged
Houses go down in price

Question 5

Short term responses

Answer 5

39 schools close across region
More than 200 people rescued by helicopter in Cockermouth
Passers by helped the worst affected
Roads and bridges closed
Locals evacuated
Emergency rescue centres built

Question 6

Long term responses

Answer 6

Several million donated by British government
Bridges rebuilt
Damage done to businesses, houses and possessions fixed
Businesses reopened
Fire crews pumped water out of people’s houses