Quayside flooding defences face test
TEMPORARY flood barriers are to be tested today by the Environment Agency at Newcastle Quayside.
170 metres of mobile flood barriers, which would be deployed in emergencies, will be erected as part of a live training exercise.
The temporary flood barriers consist of portable metal frames with a waterproof cover and are designed to be quickly set up in pre-planned locations which do not always have permanent defences. More than 170 metres of these temporary defences will be erected at the Quayside and 190 sandbags, plus 140 concrete blocks, will be put in place to support the barriers.
Residents, businesses and motorists may experience slight disruption during the exercise but the Environment Agency will aim to keep this to a minimum.
The Environment Agency and Newcastle City Council launched the pilot last month to mark the tenth anniversary of “Thunder Thursday,” which saw a month’s worth of rail fall within two hours – on June 28, 2012 – flooding 500 homes in the city.
Leila Huntington, Environment Agency Operations Manager, said: “The best time to prepare for flooding is often on drier days and we are taking advantage of the better weather to ensure we are ready to take action this winter.
“Alongside our partners we train all year round to make sure we are equipped to respond to incidents.
“However, even with tried and tested emergency plans in place, it is important to remember we can never fully protect against flooding.
“Residents should always prepare in advance for this by going online at www.gov.uk and signing up for free flood warnings.
“Alternatively, they can telephone the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188 and find out what they can do to protect themselves and their property when flooding hits.”
Cllr Jane Byrne, Newcastle City Council’s Connected City Cabinet member, said: “Flooding can be very bad for businesses because it can damage their premises and disrupt their operation.
“The flood barriers on the Tyne have been deployed with great effect over the years, and I know the businesses on the Quayside find them reassuring.
“It’s always good to be prepared well in advance of any flooding event so I welcome this exercise to ensure they can be deployed quickly and effectively when the weather becomes extreme, which happens more frequently nowadays.”