Floods

[Bertieb123]

So I am sat here in the South West listening to the wind and rain, I not in Somerset but I am thinking of those there, be it horse people or farmers, we are lucky, our house and animals are on high ground though I know our only route to anywhere will not be passable in the morning, we have provisions food etc for us and our animals, our barn roof housing animals is damaged (but repairable) from the wind but I know we are more fortunate than many, I will go to bed tonight thinking of those less fortunate than us, people trying to rescue and feed animals,protect their homes, Dairy cows needing milking, Ewes needing lambing, I feel sick at the thought.

 

[Adopter]

The wind is howling round our home, but even here on top of the hill the water is just not draining as it usually does. My thoughts are with those on the coast, the level and in flooded areas, there is no end in sight, it beyond words to describe how they must be feeling.

 

[Piglet]

Even though I have decided to grow rice in our paddy/horse field, I can't imagine how those who are cut off by the rising water, watching their livelihood go down the drain (literally) must be feeling especially if the farm has been in the family for generations. All this foreign aid we give to other countries, although very noble of us, should be cut and kept in this country to help rebuild the defences, looking at the news, some of the areas resemble a deferent country not Britain!!

 

[Dry Rot]

Yes, I too think of those in trouble. But more so I think of the stupid authorities who ignored local advice because "they know best" and allowed the flooding to happen in spite of the warnings.

I am in Scotland and we have had relatively good weather compared to the south west but we are no strangers to bad weather. In 2011, I noticed the ditches needed cleaning and wrote to the appropriate authorities (DEFRA) who carried out an inspection and declared the ditches "fit for purpose". I've lived there for over 30 years and am a surveyor so I know what I am talking about. Early in 2012, there was heavy rainfall and the ditches backed up flooding my land and surrounding my house with dilute sewage to within inches of my inside floor. In fact, a microcosm of what has happened on the Somerset Levels.

A lot of incompetent people need to be sacked over this flooding. It cannot all be blamed on Nature and Global Warming and I suspect that applies to a very large number of areas of the British countryside.

 

[LaMooch]

Even though I have decided to grow rice in our paddy/horse field, I can't imagine how those who are cut off by the rising water, watching their livelihood go down the drain (literally) must be feeling especially if the farm has been in the family for generations. All this foreign aid we give to other countries, although very noble of us, should be cut and kept in this country to help rebuild the defences, looking at the news, some of the areas resemble a deferent country not Britain!!

Agree heart breaking to watch generations of hard work just wash away. My heart goes out to them all. Wish I could help but have no land to offer them. Thoughts are with them

 

[dogatemysalad]

I doubt the reason we give so much foreign aid has any thing to do with noble sentiments. I suspect it is merely a tool to maintain our status (and bargaining power) as a 1st world country.

The cost to those affected by the floods is more than financial loss, the stress and misery they are enduring is awful and the empty words from David Cameron are worthless.

 

[Penny Less]

Shouldn't we be entitled to something financial wise from the EU? They seem to pay out for other countries.
Also I am appalled that people are scared to evacuate their homes as there have been reports of looting. What sort of horrible people do this.

 

[LaMooch]

Shouldn't we be entitled to something financial wise from the EU? They seem to pay out for other countries.
Also I am appalled that people are scared to evacuate their homes as there have been reports of looting. What sort of horrible people do this.

its true. Police arrested 3 men equipped to empty oil tanks. Nasty pieces of work

 

[vickyb]

Shouldn't we be entitled to something financial wise from the EU? They seem to pay out for other countries.
Also I am appalled that people are scared to evacuate their homes as there have been reports of looting. What sort of horrible people do this.

Yes, and apparently sneaking about in boats at night stealing heating oil! It's unbelievable how mean minded some people can be, that their first thought in a disaster is 'What's in it for me?' The government/environment agency should hang their respective heads in shame for their lack of action over the Somerset levels in the last few years.

 

[suestowford]

Yes, I too am appalled by the mean-mindedness of some people, but I am also impressed by the selflessness of many others. I've seen lots of stories about how communities have worked together to help each other and that's been lovely.

 

[Judgemental]

Hearing about all this overseas aid makes one wonder who we think we are as a nation - an inflated sense of our own importance!

Looking at all my less fortunate West Country friends, neighbours, relatives and fellows, makes one realise that:

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

That should be clearly said to all these visiting politicians.

 

[LaMooch]

Hearing about all this overseas aid makes one wonder who we think we are as a nation - an inflated sense of our own importance!

Looking at all my less fortunate West Country friends, neighbours, relatives and fellows, makes one realise that:

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME

That should be clearly said to all these visiting politicians.

Fully agree

 

[Lizzie66]

Hearing about all this overseas aid makes one wonder who we think we are as a nation - an inflated sense of our own importance!.

I'd like to think that we are a nation that realises that generally speaking we are quite well off and that helping others less fortunate is morally the right thing to do.

The "I'm alright Jack" mentality is not something I subscribe to and neither by the sounds of it do those worst hit in the floods (considering the level of community spirit on show).