COMMUNITIES across West Somerset were being supported by Somerset Council teams after widespread thunderstorms and heavy rain brought flooding across the area on Sunday (September 17).
A number of homes and businesses were flooded and many roads were turned into raging rivers and became impassable.
The council has been working with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to compile an accurate picture of how many people were affected.
It was estimated about a month’s rainfall fell in one day.
Both the A39 and A396 were closed on Sunday due to flooding and several other roads were badly damaged.
The key affected areas included Minehead, Carhampton, Dunster, Withycombe, and Watchet.
River levels had started falling on Monday but one warning for the River Tone and a number of other alerts remained in place in West Somerset.
With more heavy rain expected on Wednesday morning across West Somerset and the rest of the county, homeowners and businesses were being urged to protect their premises.
Council teams will be on the ground over the next few days in the affected areas meeting residents and businesses.
They will be gathering information, offering advice, and identifying those in need of urgent support.
Highways teams have been on site throughout Sunday and Monday engaged in the clear-up operation.
Somerset executive Cllr Mike Rigby said: “This is really dreadful for those residents and businesses who have been affected.
“We do not know the full extent yet, but teams are working hard to build up a clearer picture.
“This was an extraordinary amount of rainfall.
“We saw drain covers in Minehead blown off because of the sheer volume of water trying to get through, and roads have been badly damaged in some communities.
“Our highways teams are out clearing and assessing the damage to roads, and we have people on the ground meeting those affected by the flooding.
“We will get to as many people as we can but if you need urgent support or advice now do not wait, please get in touch.
“We cannot say that this event was caused by climate change, but the science tells us that events like these are likely to happen more frequently and the council has an important role to play in helping communities become more resilient as well as helping tackle the causes of climate change.”
The council’s key messages for people were:
Housing and social care teams are working across the affected areas to support vulnerable individuals affected by flooding
Clear-up has been ongoing on A39 and A396 today, with sweepers operating in affected areas, assessments are being made on smaller roads in local communities which have been badly damaged, including Combe Lane in Withycombe
More rain is forecast on Wednesday morning – residents urged to be prepared, road users advised to plan ahead and observe conditions
Residents and businesses who are concerned about flooding are advised to source their own sandbags from builder’s merchants – Somerset Council does not have a supply of these at depots
Anybody who has experienced property flooding can report it to the council by logging online here or emailing [email protected].
Anybody who needs or knows of somebody who needs support immediately should call 0300 123 2224 and choose option one during office hours, and same number but option four out of hours.