Storm Desmond

Question 1

How did warm air cause it?

Answer 1

1. Warm air from the Caribbean
2. This resulted in relief rainfall, as the air rise over the Cumbrian Mountains, cooled, condensed
3. Period of heavy rainfall.

Question 2

How did the amount of rain before cause it?

Answer 2

1. Many parts of north-west England had already received twice the monthly average the month before.
2. Falling on already saturated ground, reducing the ability of the water to infiltrate the soil.

Question 3

Social Consequences:

Answer 3

1. 40 schools closures across Cumbria
2. 1800 people evacuated
3. 2 fatalities
4. 5200 homes affected by flooding
5. 43,000 homes across Cumbria suffered from power cuts.

Question 4

Economic Consequences:

Answer 4

1. Costed £500 million
2. The combination of Storm Desmond and 2 others cost about £3 billion

Question 5

Environmental Consequences:

Answer 5

1. Rivers were changed by the increased erosion
2. Landslides and mudslides
3. Vegetation was flooded, habitat lost

Question 6

Short Term Responses:

Answer 6

1. 100 flood warnings
2. Five rescue centres opened Cumbria opened to help stranded people
3. £50 million for a repair scheme
4. The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund contributed to clean up costs and emergency repairs, food, drink, clothing

Question 7

Long Term Responses:

Answer 7

1. After 2009, the river was dredged to remove sediment to increase the capacity of the river
2. Storm Desmond overwhelmed the 2009 defences so the government pledged to spend a further 2.3 billion on flood defences between 2016-22