UK based hazards : Cockermouth

When did the cockermouth flood take place ?

November 2008

How much rainfall did the town of Cockermouth experience ?

31cm of rain in 24-hours

What caused the flood of cockermouth ?

1. The warm air from the mid-Atlantic moved towards land due to prevalence winds

2. The warm air is forced upward by the Cambrian mountains

3. As the air cools, it condenses to form heavy rain

4. The rain poured into the river Derwent and river Cockermouth

5. Because Cockermouth is located at the rivers confluence → flooding

Effects of the Cockermouth flood ?

• 1,300 homes destroyed

• 1 death

• 3,057 businesses affected

• The cost per household : £28,000

• Total insurance claim : £100 million

• Rivers were significantly altered with increased rates of erosion

• 4 bridge destroyed + 25 bridges closed for 6 weeks

What river management schemes were implemented under the flood prevention scheme ?

• River dredging → increase capacity

• The environment agency (EA) :

  • £100,000 feasibility study → consider the case for more substantial defences

  • Repaired river monitoring station → improved flood warning

  • Flood defence wall in Gote Road (flood 3 times in 6 years)

• Flood and water management Act (local council in 2011)

  • Flood risk to homes and businesses

  • Water industry debt

  • Affordability of bills

  • Sustainability of water supplies

• Cockermouth Flood Action Group : innovative flood warden scheme

• Total spending on preventing on floods : LESS - £540 million (8% less than its average yearly £590 million)

• Local communities be much more involved