Flooding update
Hilary Benn has today issued a statement to Parliament, providing an update on the current winter flooding in England.
Mr Benn said:
“Significant rainfall in recent days, on already saturated catchments and flood plains, has caused river levels to rise sharply, including on the River Severn, the Rivers Yarrow and Darwen in Lancashire and the Rivers Colne, Calder and Aire in West Yorkshire.
“Roads (including some motorways and trunk roads) and railways have been hit in the affected areas leading to delays. Before travelling, people are encouraged to check the weather forecast and travel information provided by local and national media, and if planning to use public transport, to check with the relevant transport operator. There have been no significant problems so far for essential services including water and power supplies.”
Mr Benn warned that, while the risk of further flooding remains high in some areas, overall the flooding so far has been much less than last summer.
We urge 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.
The Environment Agency continues to work closely with local authorities, fire and rescue services, the Police and others, and all remain on high alert in at-risk areas.
Further information
- Hilary Benn's statement to Parliament – 22 January
- Hilary Benn’s statement to Parliament – 17 January
- 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
- 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: 22 January 2008