"Major incident" for flooding in Somerset stepped down
Around 23 million bathtubs of water have been drained into rivers every day in Somerset
Last updated 24th Jan 2023
Local authorities in Somerset and the Environment Agency have removed a 'major incident' status in regards to the risk of flooding in Somerset.
It was declared on the 17th January 2023, as a precautionary measure to help co-ordinate partners, with the risk of flooding increasing.
A combination of enhanced pumping and recent dry weather has seen water levels reduce on the Somerset Levels and Moors - to the point where the major incident has been stood down.
Jim Flory of the Environment Agency said: “We have been seeing an improving picture in Somerset over the last few days, with enough water to fill more than 23 million bathtubs a day being pumped back into rivers.
23 million bath tubs of water drained every day
We're told thats how much water was drained every day, which is equivalent to around 3,000 Olympic sized swimming pools - with addtional pumps being installed around Somerset, to increase draining capacity
Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “The decision to stand up a major incident was not taken lightly, but it was the right move at that time to ensure everyone was ready to take further actions to support our communities if needed.
“Thankfully, conditions have improved, and I am grateful to colleagues in the Environment Agency for their efforts to bring in additional pumps"
Partners will continue to work together in monitoring the situation - to make sure they can be re-deployed should they need to be.
At the moment, the A361 between East Lyng and Burrowbridge is now mostly clear of flooding but remains closed while sweeping and additional salting takes place. It is expected to open later on today (24/01)
Environment Agency operations will continue in Somerset with Currymoor approximately 80% full. Pumping activity is underway at Currymoor, Saltmoor, Northmoor, West Sedgemoor, Long Load, Westover, Huish Episcopi, and Midelney.
In addition there are temporary pumps running at Elson’s Clyce, Haymoor, Fordgate, Kitch Drove and Bridgwater docks. At Dunball, the pumps are operational and running on high tides.