Finally, the army are to start flood defence inspections. An on-going frustration amid those who have found their homes and businesses flooded and their daily life upset, is the lack of action by the government and by military aid.
It would not be unusual to see people living in flood-hit areas of the South West, coming together as a community and utilising those who have bigger cars or boats to take children to school and buy essential groceries. No one had the patience to wait for military aid and everyone has the determination to step over water damage.
Now, the army is set to start up flood defence inspections in the coming week. Cobra meetings, which have been regularly set up since last December are becoming more frequent with increased flood warnings.
Costal defences are being analysed by experts using aircrafts and members of the military are being dispatched to the worst-hit areas to offer aid relief. The army is said to be working rapidly to ensure all ranges of flood damage can be inspected and dealt with within the next five weeks.
Work has already begun with an estimated 2,200 army personnel helping with flood relief and a significant number more, are waiting to take action when called on hand.
Working closely with the Environment Agency, the army is hoping to assess, clear up, repair and re-open any roads that they can, despite several weather warnings still being given out. The army are tasked with assessing 150,000 defences over the next five weeks which may seem like a brave and difficult feat, but also begs the question as to why speedy military intervention could not come sooner despite the number of Cobra meetings being held. It can be argued that more aggressive action only came about after the flooding of the Thames, with transport to London being affected and Surrey being hard-hit.
So great, roads and bridges are being cleared! What about the thousands of homes now left without any light or heating? What about damaged property both personal and business? What about those figuratively sleeping on floating beds? Rest assured, David Cameron has promised urgent action…in the future.
