Flooding in the North of England
Environment Secretary statement on flooding and Storm Ciara
Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers’ statement in the House of Commons on flooding and Storm Ciara
‘Mr Speaker, with your permission, I would like to make a statement about the significant flooding caused by the heavy rain and severe gale force winds brought by Storm Ciara. First and foremost, I want to extend my condolences on behalf of the whole House to the family and friends of the man who lost his life in Hampshire earlier today … our thoughts are with you. I would also, Mr Speaker, like to express my support and sympathy to all those whose homes or businesses have been flooded over the weekend. For each individual affected, flooding can have appalling consequences and I want to provide the assurance today that the Environment Agency, that local government, and that the emergency services are working hard to keep people safe in all of the areas affected by this devastating storm.
Storm Ciara brought rainfall ranging between 40 and 80mm in 24 hours across much of northern England. The highest levels were recorded in Cumbria with 179.8mm of rain over the course of the day. Particularly severe impacts have been felt in Yorkshire along the River Calder, in Lancashire along the River Ribble, in Greater Manchester along the Irwell, and in Appelby on the Eden.