Probes into floods

Victims must not be forgotten

WHILE MOST public and political attention is understandably focused elsewhere during the current crisis, it is important that other vital issues requiring important action do not get forgotten about.

One such matter is the severe flooding which hit Yorkshire earlier this year following storms on three consecutive weekends and affected more than 100 homes and businesses.

It is heartening to hear that two investigations have now been launched into what happened and the lessons that can be learnt to mitigate future problems - with North Yorkshire County Council following on from East Riding of Yorkshire Council in beginning an inquiry. The latter is asking residents to provide information about how they were affected.

North Yorkshire County Council is working with other authorities – including Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency, district councils, internal drainage boards and land owners - to gain a greater understanding of how houses, businesses and roads were affected. Information sharing will also take place with counterparts in East Riding as part of the process.

Findings are expected to be published later this year when it is hoped the worst of the coronavirus pandemic will have passed.

It obviously remains to be seen what concrete action that better protect people’s homes and livelihoods from flooding will result from the studies.

But for now they undoubtedly send an important message to people who have been victims of flooding; even at this unprecedented time their plight has not been forgotten.