Residents in Debenham still dealing with the consequences of Storm Babet months on
Debenham had to activate their emergency plan when the storm hit in October, with some residents even rescued from their homes by boat
3 months after Storm Babet caused chaos in Suffolk, residents in local towns and villages tell us they're still dealing with the consequences.
Parish councillor and resident of Debenham Jane Baldwin told us the storm, back in October, "left a trail of devastation in its wake."
At the time those in Debenham village were forced to activate their emergency plan, with some residents even rescued from their homes by boat.
Residents set up base at Dove Cottage, where people could go to warm up, have some hot food and drink, collect supplies and organise themselves to help others in the community.
A few examples of the impact of the storm include:
- Cars drifting in the water
- Sceptic and oil tanks being overturned
- Drains becoming blocked
- Homes becoming waterlogged - making them uninhabitable
- Possessions being destroyed
Locals tell us it also wasn't uncommon to see furniture being brought outside onto the streets.
The ongoing impact
Jane Baldwin told us the community has become "dispersed" as many people have had to move elsewhere, given there were "a limited number of houses" for people to move into locally.
"Some of the houses are still drying out, some still need to be emptied, and some are reaching the stage of being classed as dry enough to start doing the repair work, different people are at different stages."
It's not just the houses that have been affected either - Jane revealed there are worries about the structural integrity of nearby infrastructure with "concrete pillars... falling into the river".
Jane revealed that residents are worried about a "great deal of erosion", and the possibility of a "landfall."
Jane tells us she remains in touch with the Environment Agency, who have assured her they are looking into these problems and will provide a full report, however, they could be waiting for months.
Insurance
One of the main issues for residents at the moment is insurance.
Jane says that at the beginning, they had a lot of good and quick responses, but it's all slowed down now.
They are hoping Suffolk County Council will be able to write a letter on behalf of the community to help speed things along.
In the meantime they have the Flood Resilience Grant that will provide "up to £5000 too build back better."
However, this is " still in the very early stages and it needs a qualified accredited surveyor" but there is only "one in the area."
What does Suffolk County Council say?
Councillor Steve Wiles is Deputy Cabinet Member Highways for Drainage and Storm Babet Flood Recovery:
“The county council continues to support communities following the flooding as a result of Storm Babet.
"Around 900 residents and businesses are benefitting from the Flood Recovery Framework Grant and they have also been contacted about a grant which could offer them up to £5,000 to make their homes or businesses more flood resilient.
“In addition to this, we have met with the worst-hit communities to discuss the challenges they face and answer questions regarding flood risk. Meetings in Framlingham and Debenham have taken place, and Needham Market tonight, with more to follow.
“More information on all that the county council is doing regarding Storm Babet including the flood investigation reports which are due to be carried out, can be found by visiting: Storm Babet - Suffolk County Council.”