sheffield flood 2007 case study

Flooding Sheffield 2007

• Sheffield, South Yorkshire in the North of England
• Major urban centre of the North
• Population of 570,000

In June and July 2007, several periods of extreme rainfall caused widespread flooding in England and Wales. It was the wettest May – July since 1766 Nationally, 49,000 households and 7000 businesses were flooded.

• Two people drowned
• Over 1200 homes were flooded
• 1000 Businesses were affected
• 13,000 people without power for two days
• Hillsborough football stadium was under 8 metres of water – millions of £s to repair
• Clarkson Osborn (local business) suffered £15 million in damages
• Shopping centre closed for a week, roads and rail links flooded for days

• The Somerset levels are one of the UK’s lowest lying areas (not above 8m)
• It is a wetland system that were artificially drained in the 17th centaury for farming (grazing).
• During drainage the land shrunk, much of it is now below high tide water level.
• Flooding is common place

Climate Change

Climate change made the severe storms which flooded the Somerset Levels in 2014 much more likely, suggesting global warming will unleash increasingly devastating floods in coming years.

The report finds that man-made greenhouse gas emissions have increased the chance of extreme flooding by 43 per cent, as the warming climate holds larger quantities of moisture, which leads to heavier rainfall. This means a 1 in 100-year event in a world without climate change is now a 1 in 70-year event.

• What's New?

River Don Flooding: The Cause and Effect of Knee-Jerk Decisions

Another slow moving frontal system dumped a month’s worth of rain in a day on the hills above Sheffield this month. A headline we are used to seeing across the UK, but the response of the River Don and the subsequent downstream flooding tells the bigger story of how and why it happened.

We expect deep cyclonic weather systems in the autumn – often they flash through with high winds, but some also drift in from the Atlantic and gently spiral and then pivot as they move across the UK.

As they pivot, they often create a convergence zone along the weather front which can cause a line of heavy persistent rain that appears stationary. This is one reason for the volume of water that fell and then migrated to the rivers across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and parts of Lincolnshire.

But if we look at the behaviour of the River Don in particular, its profile and how it has been managed over the years reveals why we have such extensive, prevailing flooding that has affected downstream communities.

Poor Upland Flood Management

The Don rises in the Peak District National Park. Here and in other parts of the Pennines, government incentives have been provided to landowners to burn and drain moorland to boost game bird populations for grouse shooting. While this can create rural jobs, it has also been blamed for increasing the risk of flooding. The removal of bogs and deep vegetation on the moors has dramatically reduced their capacity to hold water.

Peak District Vegetation

Grouse butts and stripped vegetation are common across much of the Peak District. Conservationists want a rapid expansion of rewilding of upper rover catchments to slow the flow downstream. 

Conservation groups like the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Moors for the Future are working hard to restore the moorlands, which were degraded by air pollution from previous industrial activity. They are reintroducing sphagnum moss, which was killed off by poor air quality but can store huge amounts of water. However, the scheme numbers are in the teens when they should be in the hundreds.

Intensive animal grazing leads to short grass and compacted soil, which is less able to absorb and hold water. There are no longer enough trees and plants to absorb rain and stop it from running straight into the river.

On the nearby River Derwent in Derbyshire, fields below the river level remained dry while towns flooded exposed the problems with our rural land. If fields along the river had been allowed to flood and reduce the level of the river by say 10-15 centimetres, then the Matlock Café would not have flooded and still be happily trading today.

In the same way, the absence of anything natural holding back the Don meant that the water moved fast down the steep sided valleys towards Sheffield.

Prioritising Urban Areas Only

In the 2007 floods, Sheffield suffered a double whammy of surface water flooding overcoming drains but also the Don burst its banks and severely damaged the £1bn plus Meadowhall Shopping Centre and surrounding commercial and industrial parks. The reaction, which took 10 years to complete, was to spend £19m on building higher harder flood defences. In the main, they did their job this time around – just. Meadowhall’s car parks received some overspill, but there was still significant disruption to trade.  The Centre’s stores closed for 24 hours, with media headlines of hundreds stranded overnight as they couldn’t get to their cars.

Luckily, river levels fell quickly, people got home the next day and Sheffield got on with life again. The defences had done their job and had rapidly funneled the water away from areas of high population.

The EA’s policy has made logical sense for many years, but it has been a series of knee jerk investment decisions on  where the floods last happened, to just build higher hard defences to get it away from urban areas. This is true of Sheffield, but also Rotherham and Doncaster through which the Don continues on its journey downstream.

After Doncaster, the Don is in open, flat, marshy countryside. The water table is high at the best of times and the consequence of all this water being pushed rapidly downstream is the inevitable inundation of Stainforth and Fishlake and all of the farms and rural businesses along its route.

The EA is doing its best working with stretched funding to protect the most people. That is what it’s told to do. Until, of course, a flood happens during a general election campaign.

Electioneering Flood Misery

We are seeing again further knee jerk reactions to support the often neglected rural land owners, tenants and villagers: making statements to declare this a “national emergency”, when it always has been based on wider climate change and that this could happen anywhere in the UK at any time.

Throwing figures of £5bn plus around that aren’t specifically costed, nor on defined projects to help all communities rural and urban. Not recognising that past piecemeal decisions have led us to this situation, when simpler, cheaper more natural flood management measures could have taken place upstream.

We now have the unedifying spectacle of hand wringing today for the plight of homeowners and businesses in affected areas (that just so happen to be marginal or battleground seats).

But the election circus will move on in a few days. They will leave communities to months of misery drying out their properties. They will leave farmers who are counting the cost of soil, livestock and infrastructure damage, without the ability for many claims against insurance on their land. They will leave rural businesses facing weeks of closure, damaged cash flow and spiraling insurance costs.

These are the victims of a flood management policy that has swung with the wind, not viewed rivers as a catchment but rather a series of fragmented projects funded by different parties in different local authorities.

Understand the Real Flood Risk

Moving into an area with a potential flood risk means that homebuyers and business owners must be more forensic about how it could affect their investment.

As part of the due diligence searches, conveyancers must be able to trust that the data and supporting guidance provides the clearest possible picture of future flooding. This must be based on a close examination of the past extents and best available flood risk models , accounting for climate change allowances and how this could impact on communities.

At Future Climate Info, we build all of this into our residential environmental reports and our commercial environmental reports so you don’t need to get a separate flood report. Not only that, but where a flood risk is identified, you and your client can then access our FCI Flood Appraisal  to more forensically identify if the risk could affect your client in years to come.

For more information, contact us on 01732 755180 or email us at [email protected]

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• Sheffield Flooding

Explore the comprehensive history and significance of Sheffield flooding within this engaging topic. This article takes a deep dive into the devastating floods of 1864 and 2007, providing a detailed analysis of their causes and impacts on both a socio-economic and environmental scale. Discover the contributing factors behind Sheffield’s susceptibility to inundation, and comprehend the profound influence of these disasters on river landscapes . Moreover, the case study of River Don flooding offers an insightful look into the ongoing challenges faced by Sheffield.

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History of Sheffield Flooding

Sheffield, a green city teeming with trees and rivers, is unfortunately no stranger to the distressing events of flooding . Extensive studies of past occurrences provide essential insights into the profound severity these natural disasters inflict upon Sheffield, particularly the notorious floods of 1864 and 2007.

The Devastating Sheffield Flood in 1864

Before diving into the distressing circumstances of the Magnificent Flood of 1864, it's crucial to lay foundational understanding of the term "flood".

A 'flood' is a natural phenomenon defined by the overflow of a large amount of water beyond its typical boundaries, especially onto what is traditionally dry land.

Sheffield Flood 1864: What Happened?

On March 11, 1864, Sheffield experienced one of the most horrific disasters in its history; a great flood that washed through the city with an unrelenting force, resulting in over 240 deaths and countless destruction of homes and infrastructure.

For instance, the torrent of water was so violent that one report detailed how within a singular night, a peaceful valley transformed into a "raging sea" inundating towns, tearing trees from roots, and washing away virtually all signs of human life and activity.

Causes and Impacts of the Sheffield Flood 1864

The primarily believed cause of the 1864 Sheffield Flood was the structural failure of the newly constructed Dale Dyke Dam. Upon its breakage, it unleashed a monstrous 650 million gallons of water onto the city.

The devastating consequences included damage to more than 600 houses, wiping out of about 20 bridges, and ruin to several factories and roads. This tragedy also incurred a financial loss of approximately £500,000 in 1864, equivalent to over £50 million in contemporary value when adjusting for inflation.

The Catastrophic Sheffield Floods 2007

Fast forward to the 21st century, and Sheffield faced another significant flooding event - the great floods of June 2007.

In-Depth Look at the Sheffield Floods 2007

In the summer of 2007, Sheffield experienced one of its highest rainfall levels in recent history, resulting in a flooding event that significantly impacted the city. Overwhelmed by the downpour, the city's rivers and drains overflowed, causing widespread devastation.

Sheffield Floods 2007 Effects on the City

The unforeseen deluge of 2007 had extensive effects on the city of Sheffield. Damages suffered were manifold, affecting both the city's infrastructural and economic capacities.

The large-scale environmental event known as a 'flood', while a naturally occurring meteorological phenomenon, often acts as a reminder of our shared responsibility in managing and maintaining the built and natural environments in balanced harmony, for the preservation of cities like Sheffield.

Understanding Sheffield Flooding Causes

When examining the historical events of Sheffield flooding, it becomes clear that various factors contribute to these severe weather episodes. By delving into these causes, we can gain a better grasp of the complex interplay between natural phenomena and human activities that contribute to these catastrophic events.

The Main Causes Behind Sheffield Flooding

Sheffield flooding is a result of a confluence of dynamic factors, both natural and man-made. The particular geographical position of Sheffield, meteorological conditions, as well as human activities, have been identified as dominant reasons behind these events. Although it might seem that these factors are isolated, they are, in reality, deeply interconnected.

'Geographical position' refers to the specific location of a place in relation to the world's physical features - in Sheffield's case, its proximity to multiple rivers and a hilly terrain makes it vulnerable to runoff and thus flooding.

• Geographical position: Sheffield is built on seven hills, with five rivers flowing through it. This unique topography can contribute to an accelerated runoff during heavy rainfall, leading to flooding.
• Meteorological conditions: Sheffield often experiences heavy rainfall. When these downpours coincide with high river levels or saturated ground, the excessive water has nowhere to go, causing floods.
• Human activity: Urbanisation has led to the construction of impervious surfaces, which prevents water from seeping into the ground, resulting in increased surface runoff.

Analysis of Sheffield Flooding Causes in Recent Years

In recent years, there has been an increase in extreme weather events worldwide. Unfortunately, Sheffield has not been exempt from this trend and a close analysis of the causes of recent flood events further emphasizes the increasingly frequent and unpredictable nature of these disasters.

• In 2007, severe rainfall led to high river and groundwater levels, resulting in one of the most catastrophic floods in Sheffield's history.
• Climate change has led to erratic weather patterns and increased precipitation, contributing to higher flood risks.
• Rapid urbanisation and the resulting loss of natural absorption areas have also worsened the flood situation.

A detailed study of the 2019 floods, for example, evidenced how prolonged rainfall, combined with the city's topography and depleted natural drainage, resulted in widespread flooding that affected over 1,200 homes and businesses.

Furthermore, a report by the Environment Agency on the 2007 floods highlighted that approximately 55% of water that fell during the storm was unable to be absorbed into the ground due to urbanisation programs - a sobering statistic that underscores the significant impact of human actions on flood occurrences.

Sheffield Flooding Facts: Underlying Causes

Understanding the causes behind Sheffield's flooding provides a substantive foundation for flood management strategies. Although primary attention is often given to immediate causes, many underlying factors need to be considered, including climate change and infrastructure.

• Climate change is escalating the risk of heavy rainfall patterns, thereby increasing the probability of flooding occurrences.
• Urbanisation leads to the loss of natural areas that can absorb rainwater, resulting in increased volume and speed of water flowing into rivers and canals.

'Infrastructure' in this context refers to the built environment - everything from roads and buildings to drainage systems - which plays a significant role in managing, or unfortunately at times, exacerbating flood situations.

To illustrate, consider the case of Sheffield's street trees, many of which have been removed in recent years due to urban development. Each one of these trees could absorb up to 2,000 litres of water a year. Therefore, the loss of these natural 'sponges' undeniably adds to the city's flooding issues.

Impacts of Sheffield Flooding

Sheffield flooding effects can be seen in the alterations to its river landscapes , the environment, and the socio-economic aspects of the city. By examining these impacts, you can gain a more well-rounded understanding of the extent and gravity of these flooding events. You can also see why consistent flood management efforts are not merely a benefit but a necessity for the city's residents and the environment.

Sheffield Flooding Impacts on River Landscapes

The effects of Sheffield flooding on river landscapes are profound and lasting. They can cause significant alterations to the river's course, morphology, and capacity, disrupting not just the river but surrounding ecosystems as well.

• Alteration of river course: Heavy floods have the potential to alter the course of rivers. This can disrupt the surrounding landscapes and habitats.
• Change of Morphology: Floods can erode riverbanks, change bed composition, and even form new channels.
• Capacity stress: Increased volumes of water flowing at high speed can put severe strain on the river's capacity and in worst cases, cause structural damages to flood defences.

A classic case is the Rivers Don and Sheaf, which have witnessed visible alterations in their river landscapes due to Sheffield flooding, not only damaging the natural habitats but also affecting surrounding human settlements and infrastructure.

Environmental Impacts of Sheffield Flooding

Sheffield flooding greatly impacts the environment, causing alterations to the water quality, destructing habitats, resulting soil erosion and leading to increased pollutant loads.

• Water quality degradation: Flooding can lead to contamination of water bodies due to toxins swept into the water from the overflowed land areas.
• Habitat destruction: High volumes of floodwaters, especially on flat surfaces, can lead to the destruction of habitats for both terrestrial and aquatic species.
• Soil erosion: Fast-moving wates can lead to extensive soil erosion, reducing ground stability and negatively impacting agriculture.
• Increased pollutant loads: Sewage and waste are commonly washed into the rivers during floods, increasing the pollutant load and further degrading water quality.

'Soil erosion' is a term that refers to the removal of the upper layer of soil or the gradual wearing away of a field's topsoil by the natural physical forces of water and wind or through forces associated with farming activities such as tillage.

Socio-Economic Impacts of Sheffield Flooding

Sheffield flooding does not only have significant environmental effects, but it additionally inflicts substantial socio-economic impacts. Notably, these floods impact housing, infrastructure, affect the city's economy and subject the residents to considerable stress.

An example of this was in the 2007 Sheffield flooding when around 45,000 people across Sheffield were without power and many were evacuated from their homes. The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) also reported that due to severe flooding, all modes of public transport were disrupted, causing a massive hindrance to Sheffield's mobility and economy.

'Socio-economic impact' in this context refers to the effects on people (societal impact) and businesses (economic impact) directly and indirectly affected by the flooding phenomena.

Case Study: River Don Flooding in Sheffield

As part of our exploration into Sheffield's relationship with flooding, let's focus on a specific case study - the River Don flooding events. The River Don, unfortunately famous for its tendency to overflow, is a pertinent exemplification of the challenges Sheffield faces regarding flooding.

River Don Flooding in Sheffield: A Detailed Account

Spanning and winding through Sheffield, the River Don presents a visually striking and historically important part of the city. Regrettably, this water body has repeatedly been at the heart of Sheffield's flooding incidents, primarily due to its propensity to overflow during periods of heavy rainfall.

'Overflow,' in the context of rivers, describes a situation when the water level rises over the river's banks or when the volume of water exceeds the river's capacity, leading to flooding of the surrounding areas.

One notable episode of River Don flooding was in 2007. On June 25, Sheffield and its surrounding areas were hit with one of the most significant rainfall events in recorded history. Amidst this meteorological mayhem, the River Don swelled beyond its banks, resulting in extensive flooding and catastrophic damages.

Causes and Consequences of the River Don Flooding in Sheffield

Flooding events of the River Don in Sheffield are primarily caused by excessive rainfall, especially when combined with high groundwater levels and saturated soil conditions. The river's inadequate capacity to handle such situations results in spillover, leading to overflow and flooding of the surrounding areas.

The consequences of these flood events are dire, with widespread damage to properties, infrastructure, and significant disruptions to normal life. Homes are inundated, services like electricity and transportation are affected, and the ensuing chaos can have far-reaching implications on the mental wellbeing of the Sheffield residents.

The 2007 event was particularly disastrous, with an estimated over 3,200 properties suffering damage from the floodwaters. One of the major employers in the city, Meadowhall Shopping Centre, had to be evacuated and remained shut owing to the floodwaters. The disaster also caused significant disruption to transportation facilities, with train services being cancelled and roads rendered impassable.

Lessons Learnt from River Don Flooding in Sheffield

Every challenge provides an opportunity for learning, and the River Don flooding was no exception. It was a harsh reminder of the city's vulnerability to such natural disasters and instigated a considerable shift in the way Sheffield approached flood risk management. It sparked a renewed commitment to improving the city's flood defences and highlighted the importance of incorporating climate resilience into city planning.

Key lessons drawn from the events included:

• The vital need for effective and well-maintained flood defences
• The importance of meteorological predictions and early warning systems
• The role of sustainable urban development in mitigating flood risks

'Climate resilience' refers to the ability of a system to absorb stresses and maintain function in the face of external stresses imposed by climate change and adapt, reorganise, and evolve into more desirable configurations that improve the sustainability of the system.

One example of such lessons put into action is the Upper Don Flood Alleviation Scheme. Post the 2007 floods, this was conceived as a measure to safeguard properties and infrastructure in the Upper Don catchment area. It effectively reduced flood risk to over 800 properties in the region.

Sheffield Flooding - Key takeaways

• The Sheffield Flood 1864 was caused by the structural failure of the Dale Dyke Dam, resulting in around 650 million gallons of water flooding the city, causing widespread destruction and financial loss.
• The Sheffield Floods in 2007 were triggered by an exceptionally high level of rainfall, leading to overloaded drains and rivers, ultimately resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure and financial loss.
• Sheffield's susceptibility to flooding is attributed to its geographical position near multiple rivers and on hilly terrain, frequent heavy rainfall, and the impact of urbanisation, which creates impenetrable surfaces leading to increased runoff.
• Sheffield's recent flood events underline the increasingly frequent and unpredictable nature of these disasters, and it is suggested that the exacerbation of such events is due to climate change and rapid urbanisation.
• Sheffield flooding has severe socio-economic impacts, such as damage to homes and infrastructure, significant economic losses, and psychological stress on its residents.

Flashcards in Sheffield Flooding 24

What river flooded in Sheffield in 2007?

The River Don.

Was the flooding in 2007 only in Sheffield?

No, flooding occurred around the United Kingdom.

What was the primary driver of the flooding throughout the UK in 2007?

True or false: Sheffield has largely flat terrain

False, Sheffield has a very dynamic terrain.

True or false: Paved surfaces have little impact on flooding.

False, paved surfaces allow water to funnel instead of absorbing into the ground, making flood risks higher.

What caused the Great Sheffield Flood in 1864?

The breaking of a dam upriver on the River Don.

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Sheffield retro: 22 photos show devastating summer floods of 2007, including Meadowhall under water

June is traditionally the month when we hunt our summer clothes out and get into the garden to enjoy the warmer weather and lighter nights.

But that was not the case in 2007 when catastrophic floods devastated parts of Sheffield.

Two people were swept to their deaths as the whole of South Yorkshire was hit by torrential rain .

Thousands of people were forced from their homes as rain started falling on June 25, 2007, causing severe flooding as rivers burst their banks.

An estimated £1bn of damage was caused as floodwater wrecked homes and businesses.

Meadowhall was also under water as the floodwater breached the shopping centre.

These photos from our archive show how severe the flooding was.

Meadowhall shopping centre was among those affected.

1 . Meadowhall

Meadowhall shopping centre flooded Photo: Steve Ellis

Firefighters help an elderly man to safety in Ecclesfield Photo: Steve Ellis

People and traffic struggle through the Wicker during the floods Photo: Roger Nadal

4 . Helicopter

Helicopters plucked people from rooftops in Brightside due to the floods Photo: Dennis Lound

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UK Floods Case Study November 2019

The UK experienced an extreme weather event in November 2019 when exceptionally heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of the UK. Heavy downpours across large parts of northern England led to surface water and river flooding in parts of Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

According to the Met Office, on Thursday 7th November 2019 over half of the average rainfall for the whole of November fell in parts of the Midlands and Yorkshire.

If you have images and/or videos of flooding or an eye witness account that you would be happy to share on an interactive flood impact map we are developing please send them [email protected]

What caused flooding in the UK in November 2019?

A large area of prolonged rainfall fell on parts of the UK in November 2019. Some areas experienced the whole of Novembers average rainfall over a period of 24 hours. Sheffield experienced 84mm of rainfall. The rainfall was caused by an area low pressure stalling over the UK.

Further reading/watching: 

BBC Weather Overview 

What were the effects the extreme weather in November 2019?

About 500 homes have been flooded in Doncaster with more than 1,000 properties evacuated in areas hit by the floods.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said it had declared a major incident on the evening of Friday 8th November and firefighters rescued more than 40 people from the Fishlake area, near Doncaster. Residents of Fishlake said it was the first time the village had flooded in 100 years.

Empty coffins were seen floating inside the workshop of a flooded funeral parlour in the village.

Some villagers had to spend the night at a nearby pub, where staff said they had seen people crying because of the devastation.

The village church is collecting food to distribute to residents and roast dinners were delivered on Sunday to those who had remained in their homes.

Reseidents have complained that the River Don has not been dredged recently.

According to the BBC, Adrian Gill, a flood manager at the Environment Agency, said did not currently dredge the River Don “because we don’t think that’s the right thing to do” but the situation could be reviewed in the future.

Water sports enthusiast and teacher Mark Ibbotson, from Doncaster, said he, along with his 13-year-old son Logan, had rescued more than 30 people – including two babies – from a number of streets using his inflatable boat in Bentley where homes have been hit by flooding.

One of the most severely hit areas has been Bentley in Doncaster, where flooding affected many homes 12 years ago.

One resident told BBC Radio Sheffield: “The worry is our insurance policies are expensive as it is because of the 2007 floods, so now we’re all worried whether we’re going to get reinsured.”

Extensive flooding affected Rotherham , where residents were told to stay at home and not leave unless asked to do so by emergency services. Some have been taken to safety by boats.

Dozens of people were forced to spend the night in the Meadowhall shopping centre .

In Derbyshire, the River Derwent at Chatsworth reached its highest recorded level and council workers put up sandbags around Matlock and Matlock Bath, where the river was “dangerously high” .

A number of properties in Derby city centre were flooded, however, a full evacuation was not ordered as the River Derwent didn’t burst its banks to the extent emergency services believed it would.

The A52 – the main road route into Derby – was closed westbound between the city and the M1 along with a handful of smaller roads in the county.

Residents from 12 homes in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, were unable to return home after a mudslide on Thursday led to 35 properties being evacuated .

In Nottinghamshire, residents living in mobile homes close to the River Trent in Newark were urged to move to higher ground.

On Friday, the floods claimed the life of a woman who was swept into the River Derwent at Rowsley in Derbyshire. Her body was found about two miles away in Darley Dale. She was named earlier as Derbyshire’s former High Sherriff Annie Hall .

Trains were cancelled in Yorkshire and parts of the East Midlands as rail routes were flooded.

BBC reporter Richard Cadey said some roads around Fishlake had been closed and the village was “effectively cut off because of flooding”. He said people on the ground had told him 90% of the homes there had been flooded.

The River Don, which flows through Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster, hit its highest recorded level at just over 6.3m (21ft), higher than it was in 2007 when it also flooded.

Sources: 

England flooding: River warnings and rail delays continue

Flooding in pictures/videos

Torrential downpours flood parts of northern England – BBC

Flooding in Yorkshire – In Pictures – The Guardian

England flooding: A tour of a flooded house in Fishlake

River Derwent Flooding – Drone Video

Helicopter captures footage of flooded South Yorkshire

What were the responses to the UK floods in November 2019?

More than 100 flood warnings were put in place across England. The Environment Agency (EA) urged people to take them seriously.

The Environment Agency took to social media to warn people about the potential impacts of flooding.

AMBER warning for flood risk today ⚠️- rain will rotate over north and north midlands bringing heavy rain on already sodden ground – take care – flood warning updates here https://t.co/K5GUW3z87V pic.twitter.com/mDDAC3uLXc — John Curtin (@johncurtinEA) November 7, 2019

The Environment Agency worked day and night to reduce the impact of flooding. The Environment Agency responded to the flood risk by working closely with police, fire and rescue, local authorities and partners to reduce the risk of flooding and keep communities safe. On the ground, Environment Agency field teams worked through the night to operate flood storage areas and pump away flood water.

A major incident was declared in South Yorkshire,

Some residents were “angry and frustrated” at Doncaster Council – claiming it had not provided sandbags early enough to prevent properties from flooding, the station reported.

Political leaders visited areas affected by floods. On the campaign trail Boris Johnson promised over £2 billion to improve flood defences.

South Yorkshire Police said it had extra officers out on patrol to “protect the evacuated areas and support those affected by the floods”.

Following a meeting of COBRA, the government’s emergency committee, Prime Minister Boris Johnson anounced the following measures :

• An extra 100 Army personnel deployed from Wednesday to support the recovery effort in South Yorkshire
• Funding for local councils where households and businesses have been affected – equivalent to £500 per eligible household
• Up to £2,500 for small and medium-sized businesses which have suffered severe impacts not covered by insurance

Six days after the heavy rain, army personnel provided support to flood-hit communities .

Environment Agency warnings

Environment Agency working day and night to reduce flood impact

How effective were the mitigation strategies introduced since the 2007 floods?

Flood defences put in place in South Yorkshire managed to significantly reduce the impact of Thursday’s floods, the Environment Agency (EA) has said.

River levels in parts of the county rose overnight to almost the same as they were in June 2007, when two people died in Millhouses and the Wicker.

Despite a major incident being declared on Thursday, the EA said the area was protected by new walls and flood gates.

The river levels around Meadowhall were high, but the EA said its defences, as well as the ones put in by Meadowhall, had lessened the damage.

Elsewhere in South Yorkshire, £3m was spent by the EA to repair and improve defences running along Ea Beck , in the villages of Toll Bar and Bentley near Doncaster.

However, people living in settlements downstream of Sheffield have complained about the impact of the recently constructed defences.  In Bentley, a low-lying neighbourhood on the north side of the River Don, forlorn terraced streets are still knee-deep in water. “You don’t have to be a hydrologist to see what’s happened,” said one man interviewed by a Guardian journalist . “Sheffield built flood defences in 2015-16. They spent about £20m protecting the lower Don. So the water has nowhere to go than the next place, Rotherham and then Doncaster.” He went on to say that residents received a “red alert” on Thursday night that there was a risk of flooding. He phoned an emergency number and requested sandbags. He was told that the council was not going to distribute them because the River Don’s banks had not been breached.

When the sandbags eventually arrived the community worked together to distribute them.

South Yorkshire flooding: Defences ‘reduce impact’

Related articles:

How do you stop flooding? 

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Flood Effects That Occurred in July 2007 at Sheffield Report

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This is a report that entails the flood which occurred in July 2007 at Sheffield. This is a place that is very vulnerable to floods, particularly after heavy rainfall. This particular flood is not the first one to hit the area. The floods are known to cause devastating destruction to the health of the people, their property as well as the environment. The report, therefore, entails in detail the immediate as well as the significant risks and losses caused by the flood, the factors contributing to the occurrence of floods, identification of all the agencies which were involved together with the role they played in making the recovery process a success, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the environmental management systems, recommendations, and a conclusion.

Introduction

Environmental management entails all the efforts that are put forth to ensure that both the biotic and the non-living components of the environment are well taken care of. It is aimed at preventing harmful environmental impacts. This means that for this to be achieved there must be some measures put forth. Flood is one of the major environmental risks that need to be managed (Allen, p. 24). Some areas are prone to floods and that means that some environmental measures need to be taken. Sheffield is one of the metropolitan cities of England that has been very susceptible to floods. It is a town whose boundaries influence its climate in very significant ways. Its climate is cool, wet, and gloomy. The town has for instance experienced two spells of floods one in June 2007. This report discusses the events of these floods.

• To find out the factors that contributed to the floods.
• To find out the significant risks the flood caused and the general impacts to people, the environment, and the property.
• To identify the agencies involved, their response, and roles during the events as well as the recovery phase.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of environmental management systems existing at that particular time.
• To discuss the lessons learned and recommendations or measures put in place to prevent future flooding as well as mitigate its effects on the environment in case it happens again.

Factors contributing to the floods

The year 2007 is one of the years that the United Kingdom was hit by a great flood as a natural disaster. There were very many areas that were deeply affected by the flood of that particular year. Sheffield was one of the areas that were seriously hit and affected by the calamity. There are so many causes of floods. Some of these factors are dependent on the climatic conditions of the areas, the area’s topography, the human activities, and also the soil type of the area (Allen, p. 30). The following are the factors that contributed to the floods in Sheffield.

This particular flood first and foremost occurred in June. In England, June of 2007 was recorded as the wettest month of that year hence there were a lot of downfalls. The rainfall that was recorded that year was about 140mm, which is double the amount of rainfall that is usually expected during that month in England.

• Anticyclones

An anticyclone refers to a situation whereby a very great mass of wind circulates an area with high pressure (Allen, p. 89). This brings about some effects on the atmosphere whereby there is a cooling of dry air. During that particular time, the anticyclone broke down in form of upper troughs that moved down to the sea due to the great pressure build-up. This effect triggered very serious thunderstorms and rains which then resulted in great floods in the area.

• Human activities

Many human activities also contribute to floods. Some of these activities usually lead to global warming which then leads to changes in the climatic pattern hence heavy rainfall. However, in this particular case, the human activities that led to the flooding of the areas include the development of the town. A great portion of the Sheffield town is occupied by buildings. Like any other metropolitan city, it is well developed with good tarmac roads and pavements for pedestrians. This form of development is good for the aesthetic value of the town. However, when there is a great downfall, the water cannot seep into the ground. As a result, floods occurred due to the collection of water.

• Poor preventive measures

The area experienced another flood before the 2007 floods when a dam broke apart due to heavy rainfall. At that particular time, much damage was caused in the form of deaths, water-related illnesses, property destruction, and environmental damage. However, no keen measures were taken at the end of the floods. For instance, the town’s drainage system was not well constructed to prevent a flood. This earlier flood should have served as a warning sign for the town. Hence, preventive measures should have been implemented immediately after the flood so as o prevent the occurrence of a future flood.

The significant risks the flood caused and the general impacts of the flood

Floods are known to cause very destructive impacts on the health of the people, the economy, properties, and the environment. In Sheffield, for instance, there were a lot of consequences that were experienced by the people in that town. According to a report that was filed up by insurance companies, a total loss of about £1.3–2 billion was incurred. The loss was in the form of properties that were written off. Some of these properties, both private and public, include houses, automobiles, machines, and equipment. Many people lost their houses hence were left homeless. Industries were ruined and some of the roads were destroyed and became impassable. There was also a loss of life of people. Several children died in the floods from drowning as they tried to run to higher grounds. Apart from these effects, there was also economic destruction in which many income-generating and service-generating centers such as markets, supermarkets, and banks were closed as a result of the floods. This then brought business and money circulation in the area to a standstill hence affecting the economic growth of the town negatively. The government was therefore forced to chip in and offer some help. This means that the money that was used to curb the effects of the flood would have been used to build up the economy of the town in other ways. Furthermore, many people could also not go to work. Some of the income-generating industries and most schools were closed down in the area. Another adverse effect was on the health of the people. Many people suffered from water-related diseases like cholera. On the other hand, the sick could not gain access to the medical services at the right time and thus succumbed to their illnesses.

The agencies involved, response and role during the event of the flood and the recovery process

Several agencies were involved in the flooding event. They played significant roles in their response to the calamity particularly in trying to save people and properties. Each of the agencies played a very different role in either trying to better the situation or in the process of recovery. Some of the agencies that were involved included the government, the Red Cross, the environmental agencies, and other humanitarian organizations. The government for instance offered the people who were homeless a place to live and also later helped them financially to reconstruct their lives. The Red Cross was involved in saving the lives of the people. Through airlifting and other means the organization’s staff and volunteers tried to rescue the people who were trapped in the floods. They also offered medical services to the people during the period of floods as well as after the floods. The Environmental Agency was involved in a warning and updating the people of the dangers of the floods to ensure that they are not adversely affected. In addition, it made sure that it gave the citizens regular updates on the issue through the radio, television, website, and loud hailers. Other humanitarian agencies involved in the flood include the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization which also offered their help to the people in form of medical services, finances, and material things such as clothes.

The effectiveness of environmental management systems existing at that particular time

One of the environmental management systems existing during that particular time was the weather monitoring system. The meteorological department had earlier warned the people of the floods. This was very helpful although its effectiveness in preventing damages was not very good because some deaths were still reported. There was also an environmental impact assessment that was done before the construction of the town. The fact is that it was not very effective because it did not put forth some of the preventive measures that should have been implemented in the case of floods (Samuels, p. 68). Every environmental impact assessment must predict all kinds of possible risks that can affect the area in question and also suggest the measures to be put in place to curb the effects.

Conclusion and lessons learned

In conclusion, flood is one of the natural calamities that can lead to great effects. Its causes are dependent on so many factors that in turn vary from one area to another. They may be human-oriented factors or natural factors. The damage goes beyond destruction of property to loss of life. It should be noted that any place can be susceptible to floods and their consequences. However, these damages can be significantly reduced by ensuring the disaster management measures are put in place as well as some very effective and efficient environmental management systems are installed and implemented (Murguglio, p. 125). In addition, systems for minimizing the damage of floods can be helpful. The flood in Sheffield has taught great lessons to the citizens, the government, and other responsible agencies. The citizens learned that it is very important to take seriously any warning given to them concerning an approaching climatic danger and other natural disasters. The government together with the relevant agencies learned that it is important to put measures in place to minimize the adverse effects of floods. For instance, disaster preparedness mechanisms are important for preventing future natural disasters. They also learned that it is important to implement measures needed to prevent adverse effects that result from any disaster (Samuels, p. 45).

Recommendations

Concerning the above report, there are several recommendations on the measures to be put in place to prevent future flooding as well as mitigate its effects in case it happens again. Some of these measures include:

• Frequent environmental risk assessment and environmental auditing should be done in the area and other areas too. This is to ensure that all possible risks in the area are identified and possible control and preventive measures are put in place.
• The public should be enlightened well on the dangers of floods. This will enable them to take seriously any warning that will be given to them in the future about approaching danger.
• Research needs to be intensified. There should be more research done on the climatic patterns by the meteorological department in the area and other areas. This is to be able to effectively and efficiently detect any changes in climate that might lead to floods in the area.
• More environmental management systems should be launched in the area (Murguglio, p. 122).

Works Cited

• Allen, Jean. Floods. Oxford: Capstone Press, 2001.
• Murguglio, Bernard. Environmental management systems. London: CRT Press, 1991.
• Samuels, Paul. Flood risk management research and practice: Proceedings of the European Conference on Flood Risk Management Research into Practice. London: CRT Press, 2008.
• The Documentary "The Invisible War"
• Flooding and Mitigation Measures
• Flooding in New Zealand
• The Oil Spill in the Gulf
• Hurricane Formation and Possible Precautions: Ways of Monitoring and Prognosis
• The Chernobyl Disaster: Influence on Human Health
• Tsunami: Crisis Management
• The Recommendations Made in the Field of Tsunami Emergency Managements
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2021, December 26). Flood Effects That Occurred in July 2007 at Sheffield. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flood-effects-that-occurred-in-july-2007-at-sheffield/

"Flood Effects That Occurred in July 2007 at Sheffield." IvyPanda , 26 Dec. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/flood-effects-that-occurred-in-july-2007-at-sheffield/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Flood Effects That Occurred in July 2007 at Sheffield'. 26 December.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Flood Effects That Occurred in July 2007 at Sheffield." December 26, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flood-effects-that-occurred-in-july-2007-at-sheffield/.

1. IvyPanda . "Flood Effects That Occurred in July 2007 at Sheffield." December 26, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flood-effects-that-occurred-in-july-2007-at-sheffield/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Flood Effects That Occurred in July 2007 at Sheffield." December 26, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/flood-effects-that-occurred-in-july-2007-at-sheffield/.

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UK Flooding Rivers Case Study Lesson

Subject: Geography

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

27 April 2023

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Full KS3 lesson on an flooding in the UK lasting around an hour. Case study used is the Sheffield 2007 floods. Lesson includes a starter, learning objectives and plenary. All supporting worksheets included - no further resources required.

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Sheffield Flooding 2007

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JSmol Viewer

A localized particle filtering approach to advance flood frequency estimation at large scale using satellite synthetic aperture radar image collection and hydrodynamic modelling.

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

2.1. mapping flood inundation extent from sar images, 2.2. generating an archive of design flood inundation maps, 2.3. assessing flood return period using a localized particle filter, 3. study area and experimental set-up, 3.1. study area, 3.2. sar data set and processing, 3.3. generating an archive of design flood extent maps using a shallow water model, 3.4. subcatchments as subareas in the data assimilation, 4. validation approach, 5. results and discussion, 5.1. localization, 5.2. assessment of estimated return periods, 6. conclusions.

• Confirms the significant value of SAR data for flood monitoring.
• Improves the accuracy of flood extent maps and enables real-time return period estimation.
• Provides spatially distributed return periods, accounting for the variations in flood processes along the river.

Author Contributions

Data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Zingaro, M.; Hostache, R.; Chini, M.; Capolongo, D.; Matgen, P. A Localized Particle Filtering Approach to Advance Flood Frequency Estimation at Large Scale Using Satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar Image Collection and Hydrodynamic Modelling. Remote Sens. 2024 , 16 , 2179. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16122179

Zingaro M, Hostache R, Chini M, Capolongo D, Matgen P. A Localized Particle Filtering Approach to Advance Flood Frequency Estimation at Large Scale Using Satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar Image Collection and Hydrodynamic Modelling. Remote Sensing . 2024; 16(12):2179. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16122179

Zingaro, Marina, Renaud Hostache, Marco Chini, Domenico Capolongo, and Patrick Matgen. 2024. "A Localized Particle Filtering Approach to Advance Flood Frequency Estimation at Large Scale Using Satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar Image Collection and Hydrodynamic Modelling" Remote Sensing 16, no. 12: 2179. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16122179

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