The current flooding situation in Somerset is no longer being treated as a Major Incident with conditions improving and the clean-up and recovery underway.
Somerset Council, the Environment Agency, emergency services, health and other partners have been working together since the end of January to respond to flooding following Storm Chandra.
A Major Incident was declared on 27 January to co-ordinate the multi-agency emergency response and ensure resources were available should the situation deteriorate further.
Although the weather forecast remains changeable with more rain expected, conditions on the ground continue to improve. It has now been agreed the incident will move into a recovery phase from today (Wednesday 18 February).
Agencies will continue to monitor and respond to ongoing issues, with pumping operations continuing.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Bill Revans, said:
We will continue to work with our partners to support communities impacted by flooding, but it is positive that conditions are improving and we can now stand down the major incident.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who came together and continue to support our communities throughout the challenges posed by the heavy rain and extensive flooding. I want to assure our residents that we will continue to provide the support they need and our response will continue until no further action is required.”
The latest ultra-high volume pumps were deployed at Dunball, taking the total deployment in the Somerset Levels and Moors to 28. The Environment Agency is responding to flood risk in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire with more than 60 high volume pumps deployed across the three counties.
Data from the Environment Agency shows that to date 2,860 properties have been protected by flood defences in Somerset, 91 properties have been reported as flooded across the county, with 23 of these within the Levels and Moors. If you have been affected please report it to https://swt-self.achieveservice.com/en/service/Flood_report.
Ian Withers, Area Director for the Environment Agency, said:
While water levels remain high, residents will understandably remain nervous about flood risk, especially around Currymoor, Northmoor, Saltmoor and Langport. Please be reassured that our work continues.
We are still pumping down water levels at every opportunity, protecting people and properties and responding to unsettled weather. We won’t stop until water levels are back to normal for winter.
Some roads remain closed, including the A361 between Burrowbridge and East Lyng. Residents are advised to check for updates on the Travel Somerset Facebook page or the Roadworks and travel information page and plan carefully before setting out.
Do not drive through flood water or ignore road closed signs. More information about safety during floods on the road can be found on Somerset Road Safety’s Adverse weather conditions page. Anyone worried about flooding or impacted by flooding can find advice and guidance via the Council’s Flooding information and advice page. If there is serious risk to life due to flooding always call 999.
Find out the status of roads that have Emergency road closure gates.
Emergency teams will continue to monitor the situation, support communities and respond to any local issues that may arise. Although the major incident status has ended, people are encouraged to stay alert to any localised surface water, follow travel advice and report any concerns through normal channels.
In an emergency residents should always call 999 immediately.
