Cumbria impact of flooding on MEDC and management strategies.

(This case study can be applied with Bostcastle flood to assess impacts on MEDC in contrast LEDC such as   Bangladesh and Pakistan)

(2009)

Heaviest rainfall in England 314 mm in 24 hours
the ground was saturated due to rainfall before this event, which decreases infiltration leading to overland flow.

Cockermouth a place in Cumbria is located at a confluence of 2 rivers and is build on a flood plain of the river Derwent (meant to be flooded). Urbanisation increases risk of flooding, impermeable rock type.

There is a meander downstream which would have decreased rivers ability to remove water quickly.

Social impacts-
More than 500 people had to evacuate.
3 people died due to a bridge collapsing.
Five primary and 13 secondary schools were shut.
a year on 150 households had not returned to their homes.
increase in stress related ilnesses

Economic impacts-
20 roads and bridges were destroyed
businesses were cut off.
tourism lost 15 million and 22.5 million of cancellation of booking


long term damage to homes and infrastructure cost 276 million pounds.

Response-
1 million to clean up process and 5.4 million to clean up roads.
army helped.