In many areas, Storm Bert brought more than one month’s rainfall in one weekend. Nationally, nearly 70 river gauges recorded record levels, including at locations in Wessex.
After a flood
Attached is a guide to recovery actions that anyone affected can take. This includes information on insurance and cleaning up.
Reporting Flooding
Please report flooding to the Environment Agency as soon you can if your home or business has flooded. https://www.gov.uk/report-flood-cause
Reporting flooding helps the Environment Agency to understand the impacts on properties or communities and prioritise our response. By gathering information, specific issues impacting residents and communities are identified and recurring issues highlighted. The evidence from flood reporting is crucial in planning effective maintenance and justifying business cases for potential long-term solutions.
Once affected residents are able, the EA ask that they please submit a full report to floodreport.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/. This tool is available for residents across Wessex (the service is hosted by Dorset Council but is available for other local authority areas). The information provided is then shared with the risk management authorities to ensure it goes to the correct organisation depending on the source and impact of flooding. If the portal opens on the wrong FORT region, don't worry, you will be redirected when you identify a property affected.
Businesses
Many businesses have also been affected by flooding, with impacts not only on property but on livelihoods and the wider community. Flood Mary has produced a Business Flood Handbook, and The Flood Hub also has resources about business resilience and recovery.
Any enquiries to the local customers and engagement team
