Background and Causes of the Somerset Levels Floods 2014
The Somerset Levels flooding 2024 was a catastrophic event that occurred in a coastal plain and wetland area in central Somerset. This region is characterized by flat land lying close to sea level, primarily used for agricultural purposes including arable farming and grazing. The area is also known for its important habitats supporting diverse bird and plant species.
The flooding was triggered by a combination of factors. January 2014 was recorded as the wettest since records began in 1910. A succession of low-pressure systems driven across the Atlantic Ocean brought an extended period of wet weather lasting several weeks. High tides and storm surges from the Bristol Channel pushed water up the rivers, preventing freshwater from reaching the sea and causing it to spill over river banks.
Highlight: A critical factor contributing to the floods was the lack of river dredging for at least 20 years, which had led to rivers becoming clogged with sediments.
The Somerset Levels are located in the South-West of England, bordering the Bristol Channel which leads to the North Atlantic Ocean. The area is characterized by four main rivers: the Axe, Brue, Parrett, and Exe. It is a flat, low-lying area surrounded by three hills: the Mendip, Quantock, and Blackdown. The main towns in the region include Glastonbury, Wells, and Yeovil.
Example: To combat the flooding, numerous pumps were employed to remove water from the levels and return it to the rivers at a rate of 10 tonnes per second.
The impacts of the Somerset floods 2014 were far-reaching and severe. Over 14,000 hectares of agricultural land were submerged for 3-4 weeks, severely reducing winter and spring crop production. Half of the winter cereals were destroyed by flood damage. The livestock sector was also heavily affected, with 200 farms impacted and 16 requiring emergency evacuation of over 1,000 animals.
Economic impacts of the Somerset floods 2014 included significant losses for farmers who had to pay for alternative land and housing for their livestock. Over 600 homes and buildings were flooded, incurring high costs for water pumping, fuel, and cleanup machinery. Local businesses suffered losses exceeding £1 million.
The environmental impacts of the Somerset floods 2014 were equally significant. Bird populations were severely affected, with the main roosting site deeply flooded and only 20% of the usual February number of water birds present. Soil quality was compromised after being submerged for nearly three months, with some crops taking up to two years to recover.
Highlight: The Somerset floods cost the tourism industry an estimated £200 million, highlighting the wide-ranging economic consequences of the disaster.
Emergency responses to the Somerset floods 2014 were swift and varied. Emergency services and the military assisted in evacuating people and providing aid to those stranded. In Muchelney, an innovative solution was implemented: a pontoon (floating bridge) was created along the flooded road, allowing local residents to walk to dry land and maintain a connection to the rest of Somerset.
Vocabulary: Pontoon - A floating structure used as a bridge or landing stage.
The Somerset floods 2014 case study demonstrates the complex interplay between natural factors, human land management practices, and climate change in exacerbating flood risks in vulnerable areas. It underscores the importance of regular river maintenance, effective flood defense systems, and adaptive strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events on both human communities and natural ecosystems.
