The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has said farmers are readying themselves for “further devastation” ahead of storm Ciaran.
The president of the CLA, Mark Tufnell, has today (Thursday, November 2) called on the Environment Agency to take urgent action so farmers “no longer bear the brunt of flooding issues alone”.
The Environment Agency has urged people to be prepared for the storm and for possible significant inland flooding impacts today and tomorrow (Friday, November 3).
The agency said wind remains the biggest threat from the storm, but that there are various areas at risk of flooding from rainfall.
Tufnell said years of poor management of watercourses and flood defences by the Environment Agency mean farmers are still “unfairly shouldering” the burden of flooding devastation.
“Landowners don’t receive compensation when the Environment Agency effectively floods their fields to protect downstream houses and villages, despite the harm to their crops and livelihoods.”
“And when farmers do attempt to implement flood prevention techniques, they face lengthy authorisation delays and costs, creating a lose-lose situation.
“Farmers want to provide solutions to the climate crisis. But until the government steps in to tackle planning delays and offer full and proper compensation to those storing floodwater, farmers will continue paying the price for problems they didn’t create.”
Storm Ciaran
As of today, there are 78 flood warnings in place across England as well as 196 flood alerts due to Storm Ciaran.
In Wales, there is one severe flood warning, one regular flood warning and 13 flood alerts in place. In Scotland, there are six flood alerts.
The Environment Agency said the south coast can expect strong winds and large waves today, with potential flooding of roads and infrastructure close to the sea.
The road to Portland is now closed. Across the country, some river levels remain high and the ground saturated.
Flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, Ben Lukey, said: “Large waves and onshore gales brought by Storm Ciarán saw some flooding along parts of the south coast today.
“Further significant flooding along the south coast is possible this evening, with minor impacts possible along parts of the coasts of Yorkshire and the North East.
“Significant surface water and river flooding are also possible more widely today, while minor impacts for parts of the South East are probable on Saturday (November 4) due to further rain or showers.
Lukey said the Environment Agency teams are out on the ground operating assets, working with partners and present in those communities that have experienced flooding, looking to minimise the impact on residents.
“We urge people to stay safe on the coast and to remember to take extreme care on coastal paths and promenades,” he said.
“Flooding of low-lying coastal roads is also possible and people must avoid driving through flood water, as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
