Flood Victims in East Yorkshire Still Struggling 5 Years Later

In February 2020, the River Aire in East Yorkshire overtopped its banks, inundating properties in the village of East Cowick. Now, five years later, the villagers still feel vulnerable and fear that the flooding could happen again.

The Reverend Canon Eleanor Robertshaw of the nearby Snaith Priory says there is a "massive fear" among residents, as "there's nowhere else for the water to go." The priory served as a refuge for flood victims and those who were "frightened or traumatized" during the 2020 event, providing support for nearly three weeks.

To address the ongoing concerns, the Environment Agency has commissioned an independent review that outlines plans to better protect homes using practical and affordable measures, such as flood doors, raised electrics, and permeable paving. However, some residents, like 78-year-old Barry Lamb, remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these flood protection plans.

The psychological impact of the 2020 flood also lingers, with Canon Robertshaw noting that every flood warning "brings everything back to people." Residents like 86-year-old Betty Smith vividly recall the surreal sight of their furniture being lifted by the floodwaters, and the overwhelming damage to their homes.

As the government aims to prioritize flood protection for deprived communities, the Snaith Priory stands ready to serve as a refuge once again if the worst should happen. The priory's medieval builders, it seems, knew exactly where to build to withstand the rising waters.