Britain has seen the most rainfall in January, since King George was on the throne in 1760. The British government has now acknowledged that it made a mistake on the dredging issue and has pledged tens of millions in support. After reaching its highest level in years, The River Thames flooded its banks and left the center of the village of Datchet underwater. Thousands of home-owners along the River Thames were warned that they may need to evacuate after the Environment Agency issued more than a dozen severe flood warnings indicating a potential loss of life. The agency gave 16 severe flood warnings, saying that lives are at risk. Due to Britain’s worst winter rainfall, which has wreaked havoc on dozens of homes, USA Today has reported that some residents have become stranded on a 40-square-mile patch of land since Christmas. There are still there are fears it could be months before the water is completely pumped away.
The head of Britain’s Environment Agency, Chris Smith, has accused the government of getting in the way of vital work having to deal with rising water levels in many parts of the country. According to Press TV, Smith’s remarks came in response to criticism by cabinet ministers, who have blamed the agency for mishandling the flood crisis. National Turk reported that some residents were being forced to pay insurance excesses of up to £35,000 in some of the worst-hit flood areas.
The local Government Secretary reported that officials have already began preparing for the next round of flooding expected to hit the Thames Valley. It has also been reported that insurance claims from recent floods and storms could hit £426million, according to News.NomL A resident of the Berkshire village of Colnbrook, Asif Khan, reported to BBC.UK that his whole street was under water, his house was flooded and his fridge “just went bang”.
Paul Palmer, a resident of Hurst village, said that sewers were blocked up and they have been unable to use the toilet. “It’s like going back to the dark ages,” Palmer reported to BBC.
The Nadi River, says Fiji Meteorological Service director Alipate Waqaicelua, has reached a critical level but has not exceeded the flood level threshold yet.
According to The Mammal Society, Beavers, which became extinct in most of Britain during the 16th century, could be effective in the battle against deluges by building dams across shallow river channels. The charity suggests that the re-introduction of the beaver could help tackle the flooding problem by using its dam-building skills alongside other man-made measures, and according to reports by Telegraph U.K.
Image Credit: www.itv.com