UK floods: ‘Complete rethink’ needed on flood defences
There was a terrific tweet about the Conservative Government’s attitude to flooding, which This Writer can no longer find. It went something like this:
“HOW TO DEAL WITH THE FLOODS
“1. Lay a large bet that the Conservative Government will allow your house to flood again.
“2. Collect your winnings.
“3. Move house.”
This BBC story says David Cameron has visited flood-hit areas. You can also bet that it’s all he’ll do.
There needs to be a “complete rethink” of the UK’s flood defences following widespread flooding across northern England, the Environment Agency says.
Deputy chief executive David Rooke said better waterproofing of homes and improved warning systems would be vital for tackling future weather extremes.
Parts of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester are struggling with the aftermath of downpours that caused rivers to burst their banks.
The PM is visiting flood-hit areas.
Source: UK floods: ‘Complete rethink’ needed on flood defences – BBC News
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I think George Mombiot and his Rewilding project highlights a large part of the cause of the flooding problem and just as a large part of the solution. However that would involve the government telling landowners to change their ways – unlikely without considerable amounts of cash- ‘incentives” being dangled.
It was Frankie Boyle who tweeted that
Many people probably did.
I don’t do twitter, what did Frankie Boyle say?
I guess his making non commital statements to the press about having to look at the problem again does not instill much confidence anything much will happen. He knows full well the UK international funding of flood defences in third world countries, while the UK drowns because our flood defences are underfunded, is still fresh in folks minds as being beyond belief. He forgets also the UK insurers will not be funding his flood savings much longer so he must do something to prevent builds in low flood plains unless of course the government is going to pay for repair costs etc. It is also clear, despite the learnings from not keeping the drainage systems dredged, that the problem still exist from underfunding in flood maintenance measures……we are in safe hands…relax.
Wonder if the PM flew over the flooded area in a private jet sipping champers !!!
Better “waterproofing” of homes? Not sure what this means exactly. More ready access to sandbags from B&Q perhaps.
Cameron does not give two hoots about those outside the the M25 loop, he was upset last year when he announced money was no object when the southern counties experienced severe flooding. Another PR stunt for the Tories, the man is liar after seeing him feed a lamb, I felt quite sick a total b****sh**ter PR gag.
I read that floods were probably inevitable when there were waters about to flood an electric substation.
is this true?
also that farmers were able to have government agricultural with land measures for waters to be absorbed no longer a legal requirement.
Thus advisory measures were recommended rather than made a legal condition for the farming community to meet in order to qualify for agricultural funding. Does any one have further details??
very nice of CaMoron to go and have a look though wasn’t it !!
If I was in the position of one of the unfortunates who have been flooded out, possibly for the umpteenth time, The last thing I would appreciate would be David Cameron poncing round the neighbourhood in his wax jacket and green wellies, trying to look the part. I would also remind him that he is the one who refuses to claim any help from the EU emergency funds when available.
It is unforgivable that this apology for a Government has not followed through on its promises to invest in better flood protection measures for vulnerable areas in the western UK. As some have already commented better land management techniques by farmers would help reduce the build up of surface water with nowhere else to go but into the rivers. Money not spent or money badly spent accounts for these 2 reasons. The strength of the El Nino effect this year has also undoubtedly been a factor in the procession of severe storms which have developed in the Atlanic Ocean and sped rapidly eastwards more or less following the same southwest to northeast track. It is predicted that the El Nino effects could last until the spring. Not only will it affect UK but most of the world’s “expected” climate patterns as well. It really needs politicians to take more notice of climatologists in seeking solutions rather than putting on a pair of green wellies for an hour and poncing about adding untold anger and frustration to those who have had to wear green wellies for the best part of a month. As for that prat who is Chairman of the Environment Agency who very neatly delegated responsibility for fronting the problems to his Deputy and his staff while he lolled around in his villa in the Carribbean, no words can politely describe his dereliction of duty.