Britain on alert: more flooding on the way!
The Environment Secretary has warned that Britain can expect further flooding, amid growing criticism of the Government's preparations for the weekend's bad weather. Hilary Benn defended the Environment Agency's response to the crisis, but said problems could get worse as run-off water makes its way into rivers and flows down into valleys. "As the wall of water makes its way down the river system we are going to see further flooding," he said. The River Severn and River Thames were at particular risk, he added.
Large parts of England are still under flood water and more rain is predicted. Hundreds of people have spent a second night in emergency shelters and temporary accommodation in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire after their homes were flooded. And roads have been closed in Oxfordshire in preparation for further flooding. Residents have been issued with sandbags to protect their homes.
Police said leaflets offering flood advice had been dropped at 80 homes deemed to be at risk in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. John Parry, Oxfordshire County Council's director for community safety, said: "The general advice is that people should make one of two decisions, either stay at home and consider moving upstairs, or consider staying with family or friends."
