Flood Aware for the Future
Manx Utilities are working with the National Flood Strategy Group to consider the longer term community flood alleviation measures and lead a review of strategic options for flood risk improvements for the Island.
Manx Utilities are working with the National Flood Strategy Group to consider the longer term community flood alleviation measures and lead a review of strategic options for flood risk improvements for the Island.
The Island is at risk of flooding from various sources. Flooding caused by the intense rainfall experienced in December is consistent with the threat from more extreme weather events linked to climate change.
The National Flood Strategy Group is a multi-agency coordination group led by the Department of the Environment, Food & Agriculture working with the Department of Infrastructure and Manx Utilities. The Group considers the potential impacts of flood risk and coastal erosion, and the long term adaption or mitigation strategic options for our Island.
Manx Utilities Chairman, Alfred Cannan MHK said, “The strategy will build on the work already completed to identify storm surge flood alleviation strategies for our coastal communities, taking an overview of the other main sources of flood risk including public and privately owned drainage systems and watercourses, surface water and rivers. The aim is to ensure that there are realistic, proportionate and sustainable plans in place to protect people, property and infrastructure.”
Mr Cannan further commented, “The Manx Utilities team are working flat out to help with the recovery from the devastating flooding caused by the intense rainfall on 3 December 2015 and we are asking the community to help by providing key information based on any serious flooding experience from sources such as rivers, roads, sewers, fields in or around properties on that date via our website. The data collected will help us to better understand the causes and impacts, to assess the likelihood of major flood incidents in the future, and to inform strategic options for flood risk improvements.”
The information being requested includes the areas flooded in the event, debris lines from flooding (which will allow Manx Utilities to record how far the flood waters reached), internal/external property flood levels and any photographs of flooded locations.
Property owners are responsible themselves for protecting own property from flooding, however, Manx Utilities can offer advice, and will investigate reports of flooding from a management perspective. All emergency responses to flood concerns are to be directed to the Department of Infrastructure on 850000 or in the case of danger to life 999.