Flooding update
The significant amount of rainfall over the past week has raised water levels and resulted in the flooding of a large amount of land in the flood plain.
Flooding is not unusual for this time of year, however the severe level of river flooding we are experiencing at present may only happen once every three/four years. Flooding on the scale of last Summer is not expected at this time, although people may experience severe flooding at a local level. Some local disruption to road and rail services has been reported, however there is no current threat to critical infrastructure or essential services including water and power supplies.
The Government is urging people to remain vigilant and keep away from flood waters, for their own safety.
If you think you may be in an affected area call the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188. The Environment Agency website gives the most up to date information on current flood warnings and also offers advice on how to prepare for the possibility of floods.
We are constantly monitoring the situation through contact with local responders and the Environment Agency. All responders in at-risk areas are watching the situation closely and preparations are in place.
Further information
- A range of advice on flooding is available on Directgov
- Key information sources on flooding provides links and telephone numbers for a range of organisations
- Hilary Benn’s statement to Parliament – 17 January
- For background information about how flood risk is managed in England please see our policy pages
Emergency response to flooding will be led by the police alongside the other emergency services (ambulance and fire) and in liaison with local authorities and the Environment Agency. At the national level, Defra has the lead Department role in planning for flood emergencies.
Page published: 21 January 2008