Somerset Flood Crisis Deepens as Residents Face Rising Waters and Call for Action
Residents across Somerset are confronting a severe flooding crisis, with water levels rising rapidly and forcing families from their homes. The situation has escalated following Storm Chandra, prompting Somerset Council to declare a major incident as dozens of households grapple with inundation.
Families Displaced as Floodwaters Invade Homes
In Taunton, the Wade family experienced a shocking awakening when their boxer puppy's barking led them to discover their garden transformed into "a sea out there." James Wade, along with his wife Faye and their three children, were forced to evacuate as water seeped into their home—a first in their 13 years of residence, even during the notorious 2014 floods.
"We have been here for 13 years and this has never happened before," said Wade. The flooding is believed to have originated from obstructed drains rather than the nearby Black Brook, highlighting infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Community Resilience Amid Repeated Flooding
In Ilminster, Allison Bushby, a 59-year-old craftsperson, faced flooding for the second consecutive year. Awakened by a flood alarm, she found thigh-high water in her garden and had to evacuate by 6am. "I'm prepared now," Bushby remarked, relying on storage boxes to protect her belongings and praising the community's solidarity.
"The whole community pulls together wonderfully," she said, baking a cake for park staff as a token of gratitude. Her experience underscores the recurring nature of flooding in the region, with water sources including farmers' fields, culverts, and drains.
Officials Highlight Geographical Challenges and Funding Gaps
Mike Rigby, Somerset Council's lead member for economic development, planning and assets, explained the area's susceptibility due to its low-lying topography surrounded by high ground like Exmoor and the Blackdown Hills. "Because of that geography, we have a massive risk," he stated.
Rigby criticised the current reactive approach to drain maintenance, calling for a proactive strategy funded by a dedicated government grant. "What we really need is a dedicated pot, a hypothecated grant from the government to keep the drainage system properly maintained," he emphasised, warning that without earmarked funds, resources risk being absorbed by social care demands.
Climate Change Intensifies Rainfall and Flood Risks
Extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent and intense globally due to human-induced climate breakdown. This month, leaders in Cornwall and Devon—also affected by storms Goretti and Ingrid—have echoed calls for increased funding to bolster resilience.
"The really intense rainfall we're now seeing means we're going to have to think more about how we manage water," Rigby added, pointing to the broader environmental challenges.
Local Advocacy for Improved Water Management
On the Somerset Levels, Bryony Sadler, a hairdresser and spokesperson for the Flooding on the Levels Action Group (Flag), monitors escalating water levels with growing concern. She noted that despite investments post-2014, such as dredging and pumping equipment, management remains inadequate.
"This needs to be managed locally by people who understand the moors, not faraway officials," Sadler argued, stressing the need for local expertise. She also expressed worry for wildlife, including deer and hedgehogs, navigating the flooded landscape.
At the Northmoor main drain near her home, levels rose from 4.04 metres to 4.14 metres within hours, surpassing the Environment Agency's 4.13-metre threshold for property flooding. Sadler is preparing to relocate her family, dogs, and chickens if conditions worsen, describing the situation as "a little depressing" despite the area's usual beauty.
Looking Ahead: Urgent Calls for Action
With a Met Office yellow warning for rain in effect for parts of south-west England, Somerset Council anticipates more homes and businesses could be affected. Residents and officials alike are urging for:
- Enhanced drainage maintenance and proactive management
- Targeted government funding to address infrastructure gaps
- Localised strategies to combat climate-driven weather extremes
The flooding crisis in Somerset serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to adapt water management practices in the face of escalating climate challenges.
