Hope could come from Cumbria flood tragedy

Jan 28 2010 by Nicola Juncar, The Journal

EMERGENCY funding is enabling researchers from the North East to carry out a thorough investigation of the devastating floods which hit Cumbria last autumn.

Academics from Newcastle University have joined forces with experts from Durham and Northumbria Universities for the year-long project.

Dr Andy Large and Dr Andy Russell, of Newcastle University’s Earth Surface Processes Research Group, have secured Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) “urgency” funding to study the impact of the November floods on the river Derwent.

The project grant is supported by NERC’s Airborne Research and Survey Facility (ARSF), who have acquired aerial photographs and LiDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) data of the flood-impacted areas.

Between November 18 and 20, the North West was hit by an unprecedented total of 372mm of rainfall – equivalent to a normal month’s worth.

This set a new UK record for extreme precipitation, which was previously 279mm.

“The resulting flood was the most severe recorded in this region, and had major consequences for the population and infrastructure over a large area, as well as sadly involving loss of life,” said Dr Russell.

“Due to its huge impact, this recent flooding presents an unparalleled opportunity to gain insight into the impact of an extreme flood within both upland and lowland parts of a large area.”