flooding case study

Question 1

flooding case study place and time

Answer 1

the thames
2014

Question 2

where did it happen

Answer 2

around Wraysbury, Staines and Datchet

Question 3

when did it happen

Answer 3

early feb 2014

Question 4

were there any flood warnings

Answer 4

severe flood warnings were issued on feb 9th as the thames reached its highest levels since 1974

Question 5

causes

Answer 5

physical and human

Question 6

physical causes

Answer 6

The winter of 2013-2014 was the wettest on record for the UK, with 486.8 mm of rain from December to February, surpassing previous records.
A series of Atlantic storms brought heavy rain and strong winds, saturating the ground and causing high river flows.
By February, groundwater levels were extremely high, and rivers in the Thames region were close to bursting.

Question 7

human causes

Answer 7

The Jubilee River, a man-made flood channel, was designed to prevent flooding around Maidenhead, Windsor, and Eton by diverting water from the Thames.
However, this channel sent water faster to downstream areas like Wraysbury and Staines, where the Thames couldn’t handle the additional volume, worsening the floods.

Question 8

what is going to happen / being done for the future

Answer 8

The government mandated a revised Thames Flood Scheme to improve future flood defenses

Question 9

The government mandated a revised Thames Flood Scheme to improve future flood defenses, including…

Answer 9

A new 17 km flood relief channel.
Upgrades to three Thames weirs.
Property-level flood resistance measures for up to 1,200 homes.
Improved flood response plans.

Question 10

impacts

Answer 10

social and economic

Question 11

social impacts

Answer 11

Over 1,000 homes were evacuated, with 2,500 more at risk.
Police declared a “major incident,” and 150 rescues were made.
Looting occurred in Wraysbury, prompting military deployment.
Residents faced power cuts and shortages of food and water, some unable to return for months.

Question 12

economic impacts

Answer 12

Flood damage cost over £500 million, heavily impacting communities and the insurance sector.
Business disruption occurred in Staines, affecting companies like BUPA and Siemens.
Flood Re insurance program was introduced to provide affordable coverage for high-risk properties.