Clare Dinnis (Area Director for West Midlands at Environment Agency), told Will Hollis, in an exclusive GB News interview, that there is a “risk of life” due to heavy flooding.
Director of Environment Agency has urged people to evacuate the River Severn area as record-high water levels are expected.
Clare Dinnis (Area Director for West Midlands at Environment Agency), told Will Hollis, in an exclusive GB News interview, that there is a “risk of life” due to heavy flooding.
Ms Dinnis explained the damage done by floodwater in the area. “We’ve got very strong levels going through Ironbridge, and we’re expecting to see the peak through tonight.
“That peak will be at or around the top of these bars, we’re hoping slightly lower.
“We have issued a severe flood alert, due to the risk from that and asked communities for evacuation to stay safe.”
Floodwater has been accumulating towards the tops of flood defenses in areas around the Ironbridge Gorge.
Some gardens were flooded due to the conditions, and debris was found in the water.
Ms. Dinnis insists on the fact that the local authorities took the right steps, including the decision to exhort people to evacuate, and it was not something she took lightly.
“A severe flood warning is very serious, and we are aware that we are asking residents to evacuate. What we are referring to here is a danger to life.”
GB News was told by the West Midlands Environment Agency’s Area Director that residents in immediate danger should “call 999”.
“We need them [the locals]listen to the emergency services, and take their advice.
Clare Dinnis believes that the barriers will be in place for “a few days” to allow high water to pass through the area, despite the fact that it is expected to reach its peak tonight.
“The forecast for the week ends shows slightly less rain, so hopefully the river will drop to a place where people are safe again.”
Will Hollis of GB News has spoken with locals after they were asked to evacuate by local authorities.
Brosely’s Margaret Webb stated: “This week being half-term as well, the company will suffer as a consequence of this because they won’t accept as much money.
“It is very bad, but it has been worse than I have seen, it actually pushed flood barriers back a few years back.”
Another resident suggested that the flooding might be more severe than it was in previous years.
Angela Cooper stated that it is about the same, but it could be a little more because it’s flooding into people’s gardens more.
Ms. Dinnis, from the Environment Agency, says that the events are an example “climate change happening now”.
She stated that “Three named hurricanes in a single week is unprecedented, and on the River Severn in five years, we’ve had three top-record floods here.”
“This is the climate change that is happening right now, we have hundreds of flood warnings all across the country, and we will continue updating them as soon as we have the information.”
