Last weekend, areas of the country have been devastated by the effects of the heavy rainfall from Storm Babet with over 1,200 properties flooded across the UK. Sadly, many areas across Chester were also affected, with a number of flood alerts still active at the time of writing.
My heart goes out to the people and businesses who have had their livelihoods destroyed over the weekend. I’d also like to thank our emergency services, residents, council staff and partners who worked around the clock to control the situation and keep people safe. Many working over 36h shifts over the weekend and the Cheshire West and Chester Highways and StreetCare team working tirelessly across the week to clear up affected areas.
On Saturday morning, I visited a number of residents who live in close proximity to Finchetts Gutter to see first hand the extent of the damage caused and the response happening on the ground.
Many constituents expressed serious concerns over the timings of the flood alerts that were sent out over the weekend, with some residents already standing knee deep in water by the time the alerts came through. It is crucial that flood alerts are sent out in a timely fashion giving residents plenty of warning. I raised this issue directly with ministers during an urgent statement in the House of Commons on Monday.
I would also encourage residents to sign up for flood warnings provided by the Environment Agency, you can do so here: https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings.
Floods happen every winter – and these will only intensify with climate change. As a result, one in six properties across the country are now at risk of flooding. The Environment Agency estimates that a 2°C rise in temperature would be expected to lead to an increase in winter rainfall of 6% and peak river flows that are up to 27% higher by the 2050s.
With increased incidents of extreme weather, we are seeing the direct consequences of climate change. Now more than ever it is crucial to hold the Government to account and ensure they deliver on their climate pledges to avoid risking even worse floods than the awful events of the weekend.
As always, I’m here to assist constituents in any way I can who have been affected by the flooding or any other issue. Please email me at samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk