Storm Babet: A year on from flooding in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire
Maureen Gilbert was one of the people who lost their lives in the flooding.
Last updated 18th Oct 2024
A year on from Storm Babet and we are hearing how lives have been affected across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.
Homes in Catcliffe were ruined after the River Rother burst it's banks.
In Chesterfield, around 400 homes were flooded - including the home of pensioner Maureen Gilbert who died in the flood water.
We have been speaking exclusively to her son, Paul, about how the last year has affected him:
"Really bad over the last year, constant thoughts of what could I have done, what else should I have done, what else can be done?
"Is anything else different? I'm constantly watching the weather reports...it's just been dreadful for me, I really am struggling.
"It's only last week that the same nearly happened, we were probably about 8cm from flooding again.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said:
"We understand the terrible impact flooding can have, which is why protecting people and communities is our top priority. We know it’s been devastating for some people in Chesterfield and our thoughts are always with those affected.
“Our incident teams work round the clock to prepare for flooding, including clearing screens and removing debris as well as issuing flood alerts and warnings.
“We are committed to working with the community and partners to reduce flood risk from the rivers Rother and Hipper. We have secured initial funding for a flood alleviation scheme, and other improvements include the Avenue Flood Storage Reservoir and a new flood management project at Grassmoor Country Park.”
A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said:
“The anniversary of Storm Babet will be a difficult time for Mrs Gilbert’s family and friends and all those affected by the floods last year and our thoughts are with them all.
“We are currently consulting on the flood investigation report that we have done following Storm Babet and continue to work with partners to minimise the risk of flooding for everyone in Derbyshire.”