Flood Misery in Britain
by tomakint on 23 August 2004 @ 03:46 PM
See what I mean, over the years environmental pundits and well-meaning alarmists have never for once let down their voices on the devastating effects of global warming, especially flooding due to torrential downpour.
Floods in Britain is getting to an alarming rate as many areas in the southwest is witnessing another terrible time as a result of the tail of Hurricane Danielle whipping across the Atlantic. Experts eveb suggested that although Danielle will gradually weaken, squalls and atmospheric moisture are likely to spread northwards. Boscastle was fingered as the likely place to be badly hit. Once again the impact of global warming is felt. For some years now, England has been plaqued by incessant flooding disasters. Their worst years was between 1990-2000. Predictions from weather analysts says heavy showers may be spurred on by the tail of the hurricane, placing special warnings on Devon and Cornwall.
Watching the weather report on BBC one just last week, I was stunned to see the devastating effects of this paid-back-work of mankind. Seeing cars being washed away like empty cans of milk enjoying the current of a running water got me stupefied, houses almost swallowed up, people deserting thier homes and some nearly drowned, I mean its quite disgusting. The drainage system is too narrow and shallow to contain the influx of floods a coastal country is bound to experience.
As a way to combat this deluge, flood watches have been activated in the north-east, north-west, south-west and Anglian region as well as in Wales. The natural topography of the Island's landscape remains the only vulnerability and invulnerability measurement for and against flooding as some are in elevated and in low-lying positions. Ever wonder why the streets of Venice has been unmentioned over the years as one of the most flooded place on earth, despite its condition. No doubt about it that climate change is the leading cause. Unfortunately areas prone to flood, that is low-lying areas (floodplains), have been drained on a massive scale to make way for agriculture and urban and industrial development. The point is straight, poor management of freshwater eco-syatems plays a crucial role! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/04/uk_floods_in_cornwall/html/4.stm
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You got it right Lisa, God has given his promise and he is not ready to change that because he honours his word more than his name. But what about those who have their houses built on Flood Plains who are we to blame, the fact is; as the world is still in geologic process and rotation sunshine and rainfall shall continue to be. The main reason why areas not accustomed to heavy rainfall years gone by are now witnessing terriblr downpour is all as a result of climatic change prevalent in developed nations, Britain problem seems to have worsen off being a coastal country not abiding by the rules of proper urban planning that befits a coastal country witnessing excessive downpour. Maldives, Kiribati and Malagasy republic are living witnesses of coastal countries that may be submerged in the not too far distance Britain should tow the path of realization period.
You got it right Lisa, God has given his promise and he is not ready to change that because he honours his word more than his name. But what about those who have their houses built on Flood Plains who are we to blame, the fact is; as the world is still in geologic process and rotation sunshine and rainfall shall continue to be. The main reason why areas not accustomed to heavy rainfall years gone by are now witnessing terriblr downpour is all as a result of climatic change prevalent in developed nations, Britain problem seems to have worsen off being a coastal country not abiding by the rules of proper urban planning that befits a coastal country witnessing excessive downpour. Maldives, Kiribati and Malagasy republic are living witnesses of coastal countries that may be submerged in the not too far distance Britain should tow the path of realization period.
Most of the houses built on floodplains aren't built by individuals, they are built by companies operating under government backed schemes. Unsuspecting (or desperate or just dim) people buy the houses thinking that surely "no company would get permission to build on a flood plain"
Does anyone agree with me when I say that we should be fighting massive global population increase first, and if we need to global warming second.
Hi Tomakint, I'm with Lizardfish on this one, here in the UK, flood plains have for a very long time been regarded as wasted wilderness with a great view; consequently developers build on them and these properties are then bought by people who act surprised when they get flooded, its a flood plain people, DOH! Although to be fair some of these problems are compounded by:
1. Changes in our agricutural practice with clearance of scrub that has been replaced by grazing on hills too steep for cultivation, this means the ground water rushes straight off the hillsides into the rivers.
2. Improved drainage systems which means ground water gets to our rivers too quickly and in such quantity that the rivers cannot handle the surplus and of course the aforementioned flood plains are now residential.
Any kind of extreme weather however brief, seems to bring the UK to a grinding halt, it is something of a standing joke here.
Incidently, Venice is sinking (under its own weight) into the lagoon it was built on, a lot faster than the water is rising. Founding Fathers - 'Where shall we build our city?' Developer - 'On the lagoon, think of the magnificent view from your houses!' Founding Fathers - 'Good point, where do we sign?'
God - "I have given you the power to make your own choices, unlike the angels. So, Homo sapiens - what do you choose? Short term gains with dangerous longterm consequences or a sustainable and healthy future through making comprimises, which requires you to overcome greed and selfishness."
Homo sapiens - "What was that about short term gain? I like the sound of that, screw the rest of that dangerous consequences stuff!"
dear tomakint, britain isnt the only country facing this situation.it's happening all over.pakistan is an example of the worst sort, with chronic water and power problems and extremely poor managemet and now, things are deteriorating to the piont when floods etc are commonplace and in the future, will in all probabilty be imminently more disastrous.we are a major disaster just waiting to happen...
Hi loomari, thanks so much for the update of course I am not limiting my observation to Britain alone, as you can see in my reply to Lisa's comment I made mention of Malagasy republic, Maldives, and Kiribati. Mind you Lagos in Nigeria is currently witnessing the worst flood disaster in years, I think the point we are all trying to arrive at is the fact that flooding is fast becoming a global phenomenon, that may likely catch the world in an unaware fashion never before experienced over the years. i am not surprised that Pakistan is also part of this, this is bound to happen to the least expected nation as time rolls by.
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