Herefordshire flood campaigner calling on people to be 'alert' and to check their flood risks this month

It follows what has been described as the wettest 18 months on record

Author: Elliot BurrowPublished 16th Oct 2024

A flood campaigner in Herefordshire is calling on people to be proactive when keeping themselves safe from flooding this winter.

The Environment Agency are urging the public to ensure they are prepared for a flood as the nation marks the annual ‘Flood Action Week’.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire both experienced flooding at the start of the year through Storm Henk, and also when Storm Babet hit last October.

Mary Long-Dhonau says it has been a tricky period with all the rainfall, and it's important people do check their flood risks.

"We've just had the wettest 18 months on record," she said.

"September broke it's own records, and October arrived with more than half a month's rain falling in just a few hours in places in the east.

"It's vital that government should continue to invest and maintain flood defences, but we need to be making sure we are doing our bit as well to be prepared.

"Things like going into your living room and thinking what would happen if flood water was going to come in, can just make you think of what you can do to keep any valuables safe."

According to the Met Office, Storm Babet saw the third wettest three-day period in a series for England and Wales since 1891.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.