Number of flooded properties almost doubles as impact to last for days
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The number of properties flooded in England was announced to have almost doubled on Saturday, as officials warned that “significant flooding impacts” will last for days.
On Saturday, the Environment Agency (EA) revealed that 1,800 properties had been affected, with parts of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire suffering rising river levels over the previous 24 hours.
Areas of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire also continued to be affected.
The figure rose from that of 1,000 announced by the EA’s chief executive on Friday morning.
It came as the Government opened its financial support scheme for flood victims, with eligible households able to apply for £500 in immediate costs and small-to-medium businesses up to £2,500.
While the wet weather has passed major rivers will be slow to respond, with water running off the saturated landscape into the coming week.
Government officials and police urged motorists not to drive through flood water, following multiple reports of people having to be rescued.
Almost 250 flood warnings remain in place across England and Wales as conditions continue to cause travel problems across large parts of the country.
While the Met Office predicts the wet weather has passed, water levels remain high and colder temperatures are predicted for the next few days with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing a yellow cold weather alert.
David Walters, owner of Cresslands Touring park for caravans in Lincolnshire, said the “heartbreaking” floods had wiped out the inheritance he had hoped to leave to his daughter.
Flood water engulfed the property, before wrenching off the cap of a borehole as it receded.
“I’ve put blood, sweat and tears into this project for 11 years and this is my nest egg,” he said.
“When I was finished with it, I was going to sell it and give the inheritance to my daughter and that has disappeared, as the value of this land will have completely plummeted now due to this event.
“That’s the most heartbreaking thing for me.”
In Gloucestershire, police said they had reported a taxi driver for “offences” after he tried to drive through flood water but got into difficulty.
Meanwhile police in Leicester described drivers moving warning signs in order to proceed up flooded roads as the “height of stupidity”.
Michael Gove, the communities secretary, said: “If you’ve been affected by the recent severe flooding, you do not have to deal with it alone - we are providing financial help so you can recover as quickly as possible.
“We know families and businesses are facing extreme challenges right now and we are doing all we can with our partners across central and local government to ensure communities are supported.”
Under the Flood Recovery Framework, flooded households in eligible areas can apply for up to £500 to help with immediate costs, while households and businesses in significantly affected areas will be eligible for total council tax and business rates relief for at least three months.
Small-to-medium-sized businesses in eligible areas can apply for up to £2,500, while eligible property owners will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their properties more resilient to flooding in the future.
Farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage can apply for grants of up to £25,000.
Robbie Moore, the floods minister, said the Government had “absolutely” provided enough money for flood prevention.
The Keighley MP said: “In those hard-hit areas we’ve experienced a huge amount of flooding, a huge amount of rain, not only here in Nottinghamshire but down in the Severn Valley in Gloucestershire, as well.
“Significant river flooding impacts are still expected today and over the next few days across parts of the river Thames in Oxfordshire as well as the River Trent near Nottingham and the River Severn including Gloucester. The prolonged wet weather and intense rainfall has led to flooding impacts and our thoughts are with all of those affected.
“We also urge people not to drive through flood water and follow advice of local emergency services on the roads – flood water is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”
On Saturday thousands of residents in 10 areas of Nottinghamshire were urged to consider evacuating their homes due to the state of the River Trent.
Nottinghamshire county council said the the river had reached the highest level at Torksey Lock since measurements began there in 2000.
“You should consider whether you can stay with friends or family if possible,” the council said.
