The UK Environment Agency has come under much criticism again this year to the perceived lack of action taken to prevent and compensate citizens affected by recent flooding. The media has not really helped in this matter through its coverage, focussing on the problems rather than the solutions that have been put in place.
In an update today to the “Winter 2015 floods: government response: document” originally issued on 8th December 2015 the Environment Agency, Government Departments and Councils have stated they will be “continuing to monitor river levels closely and will issue further flood alerts and warnings if required. Teams continue to take action to reduce the potential effects of flooding, reinforcing existing defences, repairing damaged defences, and clearing river blockages.”
With heavy rain expected today and tomorrow, many areas of the UK that are already saturated are likely to be flooded. The Environment Agency is urging communities “to be vigilant as river levels are expected to remain high and disruption to travel can be expected.”
The Government has pledged and addition £200 million to support home owners, businesses, farms and councils. This will be used for various things including grants to home owner of up to £5,000 for flood defense and an allocation to local authorities of £2,500 per head for business affected by the floods to help them get back up and running. Farmers in Cumbria, Northumberland, Lancashire and Yorkshire can get grants worth up to £20,000 to help restore damaged agricultural land.
The government has also pledged to support charities helping those impacted by the two most recent storms (Storm Eva and Storm Desmond) by matching every pound of the first £2m raised. Applications can be made by any registered charities that are currently running a fundraising appeal for flood relief to benefit each of the affected areas.
For more information on the Government relief plans look at the Winter 2015 Floods document
