|
A new report from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has concluded that the floods that devastated Tewkesbury and other areas in June and July 2007 were a ‘Very Singular Event’. The scientific study goes on to say that it does not support the idea that the exceptional river flooding was linked to climate change. Main points of the report Recognises that the 2007 flooding was remarkable in its extent and severity Shows it was truly outstanding for a summer event Confirms that river flow exceeded the design limits of many flood alleviation schemes Concludes that it was rainfall amounts and intensities that caused urban drainage systems to be overwhelmed It underlines the UK’s vulnerability to climatic extremes but long term rainfall and river flow records confirm the exceptional rarity of the hydrological conditions experienced in 2007 Concludes that there is little compelling evidence to suggest that flood magnitude is increasing
Main synopsis shows Rainfall from May to July 2007 was the highest since 1766 River water concentration into several major basins caused extensive flooding including the Severn/Avon basin Total river outflow from England and Wales for June and July 2007 was over three times the long-term average and almost twice the previous maximum (1968) In worst affected areas flooding was more extreme than the benchmark event in March 1947 which was a result of melting ice following a blizzard A high proportion of the flood damage to buildings was as a result of rainwater flooding rather than river water Almost two-thirds of the properties affected in urban areas were inundated by rainwater
To view the full report please visit the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology's website by clicking here
|
