SOMERSET LEVELS FLOOD Flashcards
(10 cards)
1
Q
When where the floods?
A
january 2014
2
Q
Why is this area prone to flooding?
A
There is an extensive area of low-lying farmland and wetland surrounded by many hills and rivers.
3
Q
Why is this a problem?
A
rain runs into river (from hills) and causes flooding, which effects the safety of people and animals
4
Q
finish the sentence - It was the wettest January since…..
A
1910
5
Q
What caused the flood?
A
- extreme amounts of rainfall
- Storm surges swept water up the rivers
- rivers had not been dredged for at least 20 years
6
Q
what were the social impacts?
A
- 600 houses flooded
- 16 farms evacuated
- villages cut off
- Power supply cut off
7
Q
What were the Economic impacts?
A
- costed lots of money for repairs
- over 14000 ha of agricultural land drowned
- 1000 livestock evacuated
- 80 roads closed
- railway closed
8
Q
What were the environmental impacts?
A
- floodwaters were highly contaminated which affected wildlife
- lots of debris
- Stagnant water had to be cleared which took a lot of time
9
Q
What were the immediate responses?
A
- boats used to get to cut off villages
- local community groups gave support
10
Q
What were the long-term responses?
A
- rivers dredged at a cost of £6 million
- road levels raised and river banks repaired
- new flood alleviation scheme constructed
- Environmental agency plans to construct tidal barrier
