The Environment Agency has been constantly monitoring, warning and informing, pumping water as well as teams on the ground dealing with blockages and other debris clearing needs around the clock over the last week.
Following a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours last week constant work alongside councils, police and fire service has taken place to protect the people and properties of the East Midlands.
Whilst there has been many successes of flood storage areas working well to reduce the amount of water hitting downstream areas, pumping stations and pumping teams diverting water and natural flood management schemes slowing the flow of water. This will mean little to those who have had their homes and businesses affected.
For those who have been flooded they should contact their insurance company and follow their advice. If you haven’t got insurance, the National Flood Forum can offer help and support on 01299 403055.
Those who are flooded may also want to consider ‘Flood Re’, which is a joint initiative between the government and insurers. Its aim is to make the flood cover part of household insurance policies more affordable
Unfortunately with the ground completely saturated and more heavy rain forecast for the area, there is a high probability that more people and businesses will be affected in the coming weeks and possibly months.
Louise Cresswell the East Midlands Area Manager at the Environment Agency said:
“Flooding has a devastating impact on people’s lives. Our thoughts are with those who have been flooded and those waiting to return to their homes. Our top priority is the safety of residents and working with our partners to get people back into their homes as soon as possible.”
“Further rain on Thursday and Friday may bring severe impacts from surface water and river flooding to parts of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.”
“After the very wet autumn, rivers will respond quickly to further rain and the Environment Agency is planning for the impacts of further rainfall.”
“Our incident rooms remain open 24 hours a day and we are continuing to work closely with local authorities and partners.”
“People should remain vigilant, follow the advice of the emergency services, check their flood risk and plan to stay safe. We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
The public can check their flood risk, sign up for flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation, or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or following @EnvAgency on Twitter.