Environment Agency
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Environment Agency teams help flooded communities recover

Environment Agency teams continue to work around the clock to protect people and properties from flooding but, as the flood risk reduces, the focus is increasingly moving to assisting the recovery of affected communities.

Teams are continuing to pump floodwater out of affected areas so those communities can get into their homes as soon as possible. Our staff are now working with local authorities to support community recovery. More than 22,000 properties have been protected from flooding thanks to Environment Agency flood schemes and warnings.

Environment Agency engineers are also  inspecting flood defences for sign of any damage during the flooding and repairing any damage. Specialist teams are flying aeroplanes with ‘LIDAR’ (light detection and ranging) technology to scan and map the affected areas. These surveys allow staff to identify the impact on defences before carrying out manual inspections.

While the flood risk is reducing across most of the country, with so much water remaining in river catchments, rivers are expected to respond quickly to any future rainfall. There may be ongoing minor river flooding impacts into tomorrow.

Clare Dinnis, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, recently said:

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the flooding.

“We are working closely with local authorities and partners to help communities get back on their feet.  

“Our field teams are working around the clock to inspect and – where necessary – repair defences.  Overall more than 22,000 properties have been protected from flooding by Environment Agency flood schemes and warnings.”

“ Despite the improving picture, we ask communities to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding as rain from recent days flows through river systems. Please continue to check flood warnings.”

Over the weekend nearly 400 Environment Agency staff responded to the incident, 6 incident rooms were scaled up and 46 high-volume pumps were in operation.

As of 3.45pm on Monday 18 November there are 37 flood warnings in place, meaning flooding is expected and 74 flood alerts, advising communities to be prepared as flooding is possible.

 

Channel website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency

Original article link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/environment-agency-teams-help-flooded-communities-recover

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