Thirteen people lost their lives and hundreds were stranded as a result of the floods that hit Tewkesbury in July 2007. It was some of the worst flooding ever recorded in Britain.
In the summer of 2007 Gloucestershire suffered one of the worst emergencies ever seen in the county due to extensive flooding. The summer of 2007 was one of the wettest on record. Heavy rainfall at the end of June led to flooding in some areas in Gloucestershire, both from surface water overloading the drainage systems and very high water levels in main rivers and brooks. But during July, rains were even heavier. On 20th July, two months‟ rain fell in just 14 hours resulting in two emergencies–widespread flooding and tap water shortages affecting 350,000 people. It is estimated that the flooding and water crisis cost the county of Gloucestershire £50 million.
DID YOU KNOW?
London is protected from flooding by the Thames Barrier: the world’s
largest moveable flood defence.
During the floods, Gloucester Fire and Rescue Service dealt with 1,800
incidents in an 18 hour period, compared to their yearly average of 8,000.
In the summer of 2007 Gloucestershire suffered one of the worst emergencies ever seen in the county due to extensive flooding. The summer of 2007 was one of the wettest on record. Heavy rainfall at the end of June led to flooding in some areas in Gloucestershire, both from surface water overloading the drainage systems and very high water levels in main rivers and brooks. But during July, rains were even heavier. On 20th July, two months‟ rain fell in just 14 hours resulting in two emergencies–widespread flooding and tap water shortages affecting 350,000 people. It is estimated that the flooding and water crisis cost the county of Gloucestershire £50 million.
Other facts include:-
5,000 homes and businesses were flooded.
80% of properties were affected were overwhelmed by flash flooding.
48,000 homes were without electricity for two days.
135,000 homes (over half the homes in Gloucestershire) were without drinking water for up to 17 days.
825 homes were evacuated resulting in approximately 1,950 people (including 490 children) seeking temporary accommodation.
500 businesses were affected.
10,000 motorists were stranded on county roads, including the M5 where many people remained overnight.
500 commuters were stranded at Gloucester train station.
Flood water reached 7 feet in some vulnerable areas.
Over 2,500 people were accommodated in local authority rest centres, many of them commuters from the motorway and rail network.
40 million bottles of drinking water were distributed.
1,400 bowsers were deployed.
The estimated cost to repair the county's roads
was £25 million.
Properties affected by district:
1,831 in Tewkesbury Borough.
965 in Gloucester City.
900 in Cotswold District.
623 in Cheltenham Borough.
200 in Stroud District.
93 in Forest of Dean District.
DID YOU KNOW?
London is protected from flooding by the Thames Barrier: the world’s
largest moveable flood defence.
During the floods, Gloucester Fire and Rescue Service dealt with 1,800
incidents in an 18 hour period, compared to their yearly average of 8,000.