continued

The flooding began when thunderstorms hit in Northern Ireland on June 12. On June 15, rain storms in North Yorkshire and the Midlands caused further flooding. A record 103.1 millimeters (4.1 inches) of rain fell in one North Yorkshire location within 24 hours. Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire were also affected.

On June 22 and 23, storms in Glasgow and northern England caused flash flooding. Days later, rains caused flooding in the Midlands, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and South, West, and East Yorkshire. Northern and western England were hit by storms again July 17 to 19, with some locations experiencing repeated flooding.

The Fire Brigades Union reported that the rescue effort carried out its "biggest in peacetime Britain." At least four people died as a result of flooding in June.

New Prime Minister Gordon Brown responded with a promise of millions of pounds in aid to local governments in affected areas, and hundreds of millions in increased annual spending on flood protection in the future.

The rains returned once again later in July, this time in southern England and Wales, with a record 120.8 millimeters (4.8 inches) of rain falling in Worcestershire in a 24-hour period on July 20, followed by several days of continued rain. The Rivers Severn, Avon, and Great Ouse swelled. Among the worst hit was Gloucester and the nearby town of Tewkesbury. The flooding of a water treatment plant and an electical substation left over 350,000 people without running water, many for over a week, and about 48,000 without power. Road access to Tewkesbury was cut off completely, with flood waters reaching up a hill into the twelfth-century abbey.

Other areas affected by the late-July flooding included Berkshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, The Midlands, and London.

Fears rose on July 23 that the Thames could overtop its banks in central London. Parts of southern London were affected by the late-July rains, especially transit systems, but the city proper was spared.

The Royal Air Force carried out extensive rescue efforts, also described as its biggest in peacetime. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also joined the efforts. The death toll of these floods has been put at three people or more.

As recovery efforts continue across the U.K., some critics are asking why the government did not do more to prevent the disasters that occurred. Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has countered that no level of preparation could have provided complete protection.

The Associate of British Insurers has estimated flood-related costs to its industry at £2 billion (US$4.1 billion). Flood protection is a regular part of house and building insurance in the U.K., in contrast to most countries around the world.

The wisdom of building in floodplains has been called into question. A report on affordable housing from the U.K.'s Department of Communities and Local Government, apparently leaked to the BBC and Financial Times in July, revealed the controversial government admission that it considers building in floodplains to be unavoidable. The insurance group has indicated its preference not to cover new buildings in floodplains.

Britons throughout the U.K. will be feeling the effects of the flooding for months and years to come, even beyond the costs of rebuilding. Many crops were damaged, including potatoes and wheat, and between 40 and 60 percent of the pea crop. Food shortages and higher prices are expected as a result, with higher inflation likely to follow.

And crop damage extends to Britain's neighbors in Europe. The same weather pattern is causing flooding in western Europe and heatwaves in southern and eastern Europe, with heat-related deaths, fires, and water shortages.

The bigger question that gives pause to residents of Britain and beyond: Was this flooding part of an ongoing pattern? That is: is it an effect of global warming? Commentary by climate science observers continues in the Nature blog, Flash floods - a sign of what's in store?   >>>

Discuss this article in the Architecture Forum...

SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE In Shropshire, the Severn River rose to the base of the Iron Bridge at Coalbrookdale on June 28. Photo: Public Domain Photo The Iron Bridge at Coalbrookdale with the Severn River at a more normal level. Photo: Don Johnson / Artifice Images The Severn River flooded Worcester on July 22. Photo: Neil Dotti A renovated hops warehouse amid floodwaters from the Severn on July 22. Photo: Neil Dotti Historic buildings, like the Old Rectifying House and John Gwynn House pictured here, were damaged as the Severn overflowed in Worcester. Photo: Neil Dotti In some areas, heavy rains continued even after flooding had begun. Photo: Mike O'Neill City storm drains were overwhelmed, even miles from the river, as seen in Gloucester. Photo: Dave Holmes Many in flooded communities tried to flee the flood zones, leading to traffic snarls. Photo: Dave Holmes   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.