Norfolk Residents Face Flooding as a “Fact of Life,” Question County’s Preparedness

A woman who was displaced from her residence by rising water levels stated that Norfolk was inadequately prepared for additional flooding. Lynn Shortt, aged 63, and her 73-year-old husband, Hans, experienced their Attleborough home being inundated by floodwaters during Storm Babet in October 2023. The couple has since returned to their property, though they voiced apprehension about the potential recurrence of high water levels. Mrs Shortt commented: “Flooding is a fact of life for many of us now.” The Shortts, residents of Mill Lane, have witnessed their property being flooded on four occasions in recent years. They were compelled to reside in six different holiday rental accommodations while necessary repair work was conducted. One year later, they have only recently moved back and are finding it difficult to feel fully settled. Mrs Shortt stated: “I’ll be brutally honest, part of me doesn’t actually really want to live here again, because the flooding risk is in my view too high.” She added: “I’m pleased to be in my own surroundings and sleeping in my own bed, though.” Blocked streams, ditches, and culverts were identified as contributing factors to the flooding, resulting in water overwhelming residential and commercial properties. A new trash screen has been installed on a storm drain close to the Shortts’ residence, intended to facilitate easier access to the stream for debris removal. Additionally, the culvert situated behind their home has been cleared. However, Mrs Shortt asserted that the county’s strategy for addressing flooding required “seriously reconsidered”. She remarked: “I do not believe Norfolk is adequately prepared for flooding.” She continued: “I think we simply need to read a newspaper and watch the TV and see what happens every time there’s too much water.” “You see the number of houses flooded, you very rarely see flood barriers. The dykes on the side of roads that have been there for hundreds of years have all been filled in.” “So I don’t believe we’ve got a flood plan for Norfolk and I think that’s what we need.” The flood mitigation efforts near the Shortts’ residence were implemented as part of a repair program supervised by the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance (NSFA). On Wednesday, Steff Aquarone, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North Norfolk, initiated a parliamentary debate concerning Norfolk’s readiness for flooding. He stated: “The challenges we face are so significant and have such an impact that we have to tackle them.” Mrs Shortt expressed her conviction that individuals should alter their perspective on increasing water levels. She remarked: “The world is getting wetter,” she said. “We are building more and more houses. There is less and less land for flood plain. The watercourses are not being kept as clear as they should.” “I think all of these things together suggest it is going to be part and parcel of our lives going forward.” The Environment Agency reported last year that since the storm in October 2023, it has enhanced flood warning systems and is collaborating with landowners to “slow the flow” following significant rainfall. The agency recommended that people safeguard their properties using flood doors and air brick covers, and register for its flood warning service. For Norfolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.