Flash flooding affected several areas of Somerset on 9 May 2023, including parts of Queen Camel, Milverton, Galhampton, North Cadbury, Yarlington, Bridghampton and West Camel, Somerset Council said in an update published the following day1. The immediate response was led by the emergency services with support from council teams, voluntary agencies and other partners, and a major incident declared in the Queen Camel area that evening was stood down at around 2am as waters receded1.
The council gave the following figures for properties and businesses known to have been affected, and said the number was expected to increase over the coming days1:
| Area | Properties affected | Businesses affected |
|---|---|---|
| North Cadbury | At least 15 | Not stated |
| Queen Camel | At least 11 (awaiting confirmation) | 16 |
| Milverton | Around 18 | Two |
The council said members of its Civil Contingencies Unit and Flood Management Team visited affected areas on 10 May to identify urgent immediate needs of residents, and that Highways and Street Scene teams were on site to assess and clear debris1. The A359 at Queen Camel remained closed; the bridge had been assessed by an engineer, but access was needed from underneath and water levels remained too high for safe assessment1. The council said the majority of roads were by then open, with sweeping and minor repairs to follow1.
"In Queen Camel area a major incident was declared yesterday evening but this was stood down at around 2am as waters receded."
Why it matters for households
The council urged road users not to attempt to drive across flooded roads, saying it is not possible to estimate the depth of the water reliably, and warned that floodwater can contain hidden dangers such as uncovered manholes or obstacles, so never enter floodwater1. In an immediate flood emergency or where there is a risk to life, it said people should follow the advice of the emergency services1. Further weather warnings were possible over the next few days but at that point were not expected to impact on Somerset1.
For households recovering from flooding, the council advised assuming floodwater has been contaminated with sewage and avoiding contact wherever possible, following electrical safety advice before switching back on, and contacting insurers if not already done1. It asked anyone who has experienced property flooding to report it by emailing flooding@somerset.gov.uk or logging it online, saying reporting helps the council investigate why flooding occurred and look for ways to reduce the risk in future1. Anyone needing support was advised to call 0300 123 2224 and choose option 11.
On preparing for future flooding, the council recommended taking precautionary measures and purchasing your own sandbags in case of flooding emergencies; if sandbags are not available, it listed rolled-up mats or carpets, bags of garden compost, pillow cases filled with soil (not overfilled) and timber boards possibly screwed to door frames and sealed with mastic1. It also pointed to its guidance on what to do during and after a flood, and to checking current flood alerts, flood warnings and severe flood warnings on the government's flood warning service1. Households can read more in the guide to flooding, including flood doors and windows and home insurance in a flood risk area and Flood Re.
The council said heavy rainfall may trigger feelings of anxiety, fear or worry, particularly for those previously affected by flooding, and listed talking to someone, keeping to normal routines, helping neighbours and staying up to date on weather information and warnings among measures to reduce anxiety1. It gave the Mindline Somerset emotional support and mental health helpline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 01823 276 892 (local) or 0800 138 1692 (freephone)1.
What happens next
The council said visits to impacted communities would continue the following day and that it would provide a further update later that week1.
Sources (1)
- Flooding update, 10 May 2023, somerset.gov.uk
Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings
