Environment Agency working around the clock in Cumbria

Environment Officers are checking and repairing flood defences, inspecting reservoirs, monitoring river levels, deploying pumping equipment, clearing debris from drainage grates and keeping a close watch on the potential impact of rainfall expected later today. High volume pumping equipment along with specialised boats and crews from across the county, together with back up from the national resilience team, has been drafted in to the North West to support these efforts.

We are also working with other emergency services and local authorities to establish a recovery group to ensure that people are able to return to their homes as quickly as possible.

Flood situation

The Met Office has confirmed UK record rainfall in Cumbria on Thursday. This unprecedented level of rain falling on saturated ground has resulted in the destruction of two large road bridges and flooding of over 1,300 properties in Cumbria. More than 500 properties have flooded in Cockermouth.

Environment Agency warnings

Since Wednesday, the Environment Agency has made more than 48,000 calls to homes and businesses warning them of the threat of flooding. The Environment Agency’s Floodline service has received 17,000 calls from members of the public. In total, the Environment Agency has issued seven severe flood warnings in the North West and 85 flood warnings across the North West, North East, Midlands and Wales since Wednesday.

Carlisle flood defences

Flood defences currently in construction in Carlisle have successfully held back flood waters from 2,500 properties at risk of flooding. Contractors working on the construction of the Caldew defence scheme were diverted from their usual duties on Wednesday morning to prepare the defences, which are currently 80 per cent complete. 

These workers installed temporary pumps in the Little Caldew pumping station which is still under construction. They also installed temporary barriers along the length of the flood wall still under construction. These measures were successful in holding back flood waters, which came within 5cm of the top of the temporary defences at the peak river level.  The peak flow was 55cm below the top of the main length of the new permanent defences which are being built following severe flooding in January 2005 of 1,800 properties in Carlisle. 

Ongoing situation

Following dry weather overnight, river levels in Cumbria are now falling.  However, potentially heavy rain is forecast for today and Sunday in the West of England and Wales.  This rain is due to arrive in Cumbria at lunchtime today, accompanied by strong winds. As a result four sever flood warnings remain in place in North West England.

David Jordan, Director of Operations at the Environment Agency, said, “The rainfall seen in the North West is unprecedented. Our thoughts are with those people whose homes have been flooded. Environment Agency Officers from around the country have been working around the clock to minimise flood damage. We are now assessing the damage and will be working with emergency services and local authorities to get people back into their homes as quickly as possible.

“Whilst conditions in Cumbria are improving, more heavy rain is forecast and severe flood warnings remain in place. We are urging people to remain vigilant and prepared to take action if necessary. Anyone concerned about flooding should visit the Environment Agency’s website for more information or call our Floodline on 0845 988 1188.”

There are currently four Severe Flood Warnings for:

• River Greta at Keswick, Crosthwaite and Limepots Road, High Hill and Church Lane Areas
• River Cocker at Cockermouth
• River Eamont at Eamont Bridge, Kemplay Foot, Skirsgill Lane and Southwaite Green Mill
• River Cocker at Southwaite Bridge.

ENDS

Media enquiries: 020 7863 8710 or outside normal office hours on 07798 882 092

Notes to Editors

Further information:

The Caldew Defence Scheme in Carlisle

This scheme is due to be completed in January 2010, 14 months ahead of the original construction programme;

• When complete the scheme will provide flood defences protecting Carlisle to a 0.5 per cent chance of flooding in any one year. An allowance for climate change has also been incorporated into the design of the flood defences.

What should people do to prepare for flooding?

Check if you are in a flood risk area
Enter your postcode on our am I at risk pages to view our flood risk map and see if your property is in an area at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea.

Get further essential information on what to do before, during and after a flood on our flood pages.

Sign up to Floodline Warnings Direct
Our free service provides flood warnings direct to homes at risk of sea or river flooding by telephone, mobile, email, SMS text message, fax or pager. As well as signing up for warnings, you can get simple advice on what to do before, during and after a flood. Call 0845 988 1188 to find out if you are at risk.

Make an emergency flood plan
Flooding happens quickly and often when you least expect it. It's easy to lose each other at time like this. Preparing an emergency flood plan will help you through a serious situation. Creating the plan with your children, explaining what to do and even practising the plan will prepare them for the time when you may need it.

Check your insurance cover and confirm that you are covered for flooding.

Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies

Prepare a flood kit of essentials items 
This could include copies of insurance documents, a torch, a wind up or battery radio, warm waterproof clothing and blankets, prescription medication, bottled water and non-perishable foods, baby food and baby care items, important contact details.

Keep a list with all your important contacts to hand.

Think about what you can move now 
Move items of personal value such as photo albums, family videos and treasured mementos to a safe place.

Flood-proof your home
There are things you can do to your property that will make it easier and cheaper to clean up after a flood: Raise the height of electrical sockets to 1.5 metres above ground floor level. Use lime plaster instead of gypsum on walls. Fit stainless steel or plastic kitchens instead of chipboard ones. Position any main parts of a heating or ventilation system, like a boiler, upstairs. Fit non-return valves to all drains and water inlet pipes. Replace wooden window frames and doors with synthetic ones. Find more information on flood-proofing your home.

Use temporary flood protection equipment
Flood protection equipment can help restrict flood water. Plastic covers to seal airbricks can stop flood water coming in through your airbricks. Sandbags may be provided by your local council or you can buy your own, or fill pillowcases and plastic bags with earth. Floodboards fix to frames around windows and doors. They can be washed, stored and used again.