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Somerset Resident Feels 'Sacrificial Goat' as Floodwaters Rise
27 Jan
Summary
- A Somerset woman fears her home will flood due to Storm Chandra.
- Environment Agency installing extra pumps amid flooding concerns.
- Residents criticize agency's decision-making regarding pumping operations.
A resident near Bridgwater, Somerset, expressed feeling like a "sacrificial goat" as Storm Chandra intensified flood risks. Lesley Parker was informed by Environment Agency (EA) officials that her home was at imminent risk of flooding.
She voiced frustration that the agency had known about the situation since the previous week and felt residents were being overlooked. Ian Withers, Wessex Director at the EA, confirmed the possibility of properties flooding and stated that warnings had been issued. The agency is actively installing extra pumps to help manage water levels on the Somerset Levels.
Meanwhile, the Flooding on the Levels Action Group (Flag) has raised concerns about the EA's operational decisions. They highlighted a significant loss of pumping capacity at Northmoor Pumping Station due to scheduled electrical maintenance, which they believe has exacerbated water levels in the Northmoor area.
Withers refuted claims that the power outages impacted flood preparedness for recent rainfall, asserting that all efforts are focused on assisting communities identified as problematic. He acknowledged that authorities are ultimately at the mercy of the weather.
