Impact of flash floods being examined
More than 140 properties are thought to have been flooded across Devon during Sunday’s flash floods.
The initial estimate has been gathered by the Environment Agency, Devon County Council’s Flood Risk Management team and local city and district council officers as part of the flood recovery operation.
Officers have been on the ground visiting the worst affected areas to investigate the extent of the damage caused by the torrential rainfall. City and district authority “street scene” teams have also been clearing debris from affected areas.
Cullompton, Harberton, Kenton and Topsham are thought to have been among the hardest hit areas, but properties were also flooded in several other communities including Ashill, Bradninch, Budleigh Salterton, Clyst St Mary, Dartmouth, Exeter, Harbertonford, Kentisbeare and Uffculme.
Further persistent rainfall is forecast across the county tomorrow (Wed 20 Sept). Although no weather warnings are currently in place for Devon, the Environment Agency is expecting to see river levels rise again which may trigger flood alerts and flood warnings.
Residents are being advised to check if their property is at risk of flood at: Check the long term flood risk for an area in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and find out if they are eligible to sign up for a FREE flood warning: Sign up for flood warnings - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Follow @EnvAgencySW on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest flood updates or visit: Check for flooding - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equalities, said: “Although this flash flooding wasn’t widespread, it hit pockets of communities across several areas of the county, and for many residents in those areas, the impact has been devastating. Based on the number of properties that were flooded, this is one of the most significant flood events in the county for a number of years.
“It’s awful for everyone affected by flooding. All of the agencies and local authorities are working closely and doing everything they can to establish the full extent of the damage that has been caused. Support is available should residents need it.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has produced an information leaflet in partnership with the Environment Agency on what to do before, during and after flooding. The UKHSA website also has health advice and guidance for anyone cleaning up after a flood https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/flooding-health-guidance-and-advice
Anyone who would like to submit information about flooding in their community should email floodrisk@devon.gov.uk
