Parts of Britain are suffering terrible flooding at the moment. A Cumbrian police officer died when a bridge was swept away and police said water levels in the town centre of Cockermouth in Cumbria had reached more than 2.5m (8ft 2in).
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, who is travelling to Cockermouth, said the situation was "very serious". He told the BBC : "We have seen extraordinary amounts of rainfall. The rain gauge at Seathwaite registered 314mm [12.4in] in 24 hours which could make it the wettest day ever recorded, and we've seen the impact of that with the terrible flooding which has affected people." During a 24-hour period Shap and Keswick in Cumbria recorded rainfall of 71.6mm (2.8in) and 64.2mm (2.5in) respectively. The Environment Agency has in place four severe flood warnings in Cumbria and in Scotland there are nine severe flood warnings, The Environment Agency describes a severe flood warning as a threat of "extreme danger to life and property". In Cumbria, the main bridge into Workington on the A597 collapsed along with Lorton Bridge near Cockermouth and Southwaite footbridge in the town.
I heard this is the kind of flood only expected once in a thousand years...
ReplyDeleteThese things are so awful. I feel so sorry for these poor people. When the water comes sweeping in, there's really nothing you can do except run for higher ground. I do hope it quits raining soon to give everyone some relief.
ReplyDeleteHope Pensby is high and dry (no pun intended!)
Canadian Chickadee
Good heavens. Pat said things were bad but that's extraordinary. The Seathwaite reading is beyond comprehension.
ReplyDeleteis this a 100 year flood, or has this type of rain never happened in this area?
ReplyDeleteI do hope that you and the rest of the family are not in these areas. Sad to hear about the officer.
ReplyDeleteWow, that looks like some pretty serious flooding. Stay high!
ReplyDeleteOh! That is frightening! Never underestimate the power of rushing water! Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is incredible. I'll be watching the news.
ReplyDeleteit's terrible, isn't it? our friends in Keswick are flooded out for the second time in 5 years!
ReplyDeleteamen, to those who have died, especially the brave police officer who died a brave death
ReplyDelete