Storm Chandra Unleashes Floods Across England

Storm Chandra has brought significant flooding to England, prompting the Environment Agency to urge vigilance. Yellow rain warnings are in effect for southwestern England and Northern Ireland, with further unsettled weather expected.

Approximately 63 properties have been flooded, while agency actions have protected nearly 10,900. A major incident was declared in Somerset due to Storm Chandra's impact. Tragically, a lorry driver in his 60s died after his vehicle crashed into a river in Hampshire.

A severe flood warning was issued for the Lower Stour at Iford Bridge Home Park, necessitating resident evacuations. Environment Agency teams are actively managing water levels, employing high-volume pumps in affected areas like the Somerset Levels. The government has committed £10.5 billion to protect further properties by 2036.

Residents in areas like Burrowbridge fear their homes will be inundated, recalling devastating floods from 2014. Schools have closed, and road closures are in effect due to flooding and other storm-related incidents. In Devon, a large sinkhole appeared near the railway line, causing service disruptions.

Fire chiefs are raising concerns about England's escalating flood risk, noting that emergency response funding and legal frameworks may not adequately support the increasing frequency of severe events. They are calling for a statutory duty for fire services to respond to life-threatening flood incidents.