Major incident declared in Somerset due to flooding fears

The Environment Agency and local authorities in the county made the announcement on Wednesday.

The Somerset Levels near Burrowbridge pictured in January 2021 (Ben Birchall/PA) (PA Archive)

A major incident has been declared in Somerset due to the risk of flooding in the county.

The Environment Agency announced the move, which it described as “precautionary”, on Wednesday morning.

Three additional pumps began working at Northmoor pumping station on Tuesday evening to reduce the amount of water being stored until river levels allow pumping to resume at Currymoor, which remains full.

The agency said it was responding to flooding incidents in Somerset, flood risk in the Bristol Avon area and was monitoring rising groundwater levels in Dorset.

Ian Withers, from the Environment Agency, said: “The sight of water on the Somerset Levels and Moors is obviously a concern to those who have suffered from flooding before.

“Our staff continue to work to the best of their abilities to protect people and properties, install pumps and engage with communities.

“The situation is expected to improve when enhanced pumping begins and we continue to run the Sowy flood relief channel. It is prudent to plan for the worst and going into major incident mode is appropriate, so we coordinate with partners and everyone is ready to respond if needed.”

In 2014, hundreds of homes were affected by flooding on the Somerset levels.

Bill Revans, leader of Somerset County Council, said: “The decision to declare a major incident at this stage means we are well placed to respond.

“We will be supporting Environment Agency colleagues on the ground and taking every step to ensure our communities receive the help they need.”

Additional pumps are in operation at Saltmoor and Northmoor to reduce levels as much as possible when the River Parrett has capacity, the Environment Agency said.

Extra pumps are ready for use at Currymoor once conditions allow, it added.

When the water level reduces at Currymoor, Athelney spillway will stop flowing into Northmoor as well as the A361 between East Lyng and Burrowbridge.

There is currently a flood warning for that area and the road is closed.

A flood warning has also been issued for Saltmoor and Northmoor, with officers from the Environment Agency in the village of Moorland on Tuesday to meet residents.

Water is being diverted to the Sowy flood relief channel and King’s Sedgmoor Drain to Dunball, where pumps are being installed to allow pumping to continue in the event of a high tide.

Residents have been urged to check their flood risk and told not to drive through floodwater.