Causes
Catchment size and shape-small catchment area containing small ricer so flooding is unlikely. Catchment shape is long and thin so flood risk is lowered.
Geology Type-mainly granite in upper course leading to higher surface run-off as it's impermeable. Slate in middle/lower course which is more easily eroded so risk of flooding is increased
Urbanisation/Rurality-flooding occurs most in urban area of Helston as surface run-off is high due to impermeable surface and obstructions in the river Cober such as arched bridges which slow the velocity of the river. Rest of river is rural so little flooding as farmland intercept rainwater.
Valley Steepness-areas where valle is steep have higher rates of run-off this is true of the lower region of Helston where flooding occurs the most.
Precipitation-high rainfall in winter often intense and spread over a long duration leading to saturated ground and therefore higher risk of flooding.
Effects
120 homes in lower streets of Helston flooded, cars left stranded in the flood water.
High volume of ermegency calls by worried residents so calls had to prioritised to life threatening cases
8000 litres of water pumped from St. Johns Street
Travel around Helston disrupted as roads were flooded
River levels rose to a high 2.14m in places, the normal level is between 0.3m and 1.3m
Responses
Short Term
Environmental Agency pumped Water from Loe Pool using 3 temporary pumps to prevent water backing up the river into Helston
Rescue centre set up to help those displaced by flooding
200 people evactuated from homes at 3am
23 fire engines work to save houses at risk from flooding
Met office issued amber weather warning for heavy rain which stayed in place until Christmas Eve
Severe flood warning issued, 1 of only 4 in the UK
Shelterbox Charity provided blankets to evacuated residents
Specialist water crews carried out door to door visits to support local residents
Food donated to residents from Helston's Farmers Market
Temporary homes offered to those who were unable to return to their homes due to flood damage
Long Term
Flood management in terms of channel maintenance which is only carried out where it's essential to control flood risks
Investigation of lins between land management, run-off and flood risk. Land management schemes considered to reduce flood damage in future
Public meeting held to discuss approaches to coping with future flooding
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