Storm Babet Aftermath: Lincolnshire Village Struggles with Devasting Floods
The small village of Langworth in Lincolnshire is grappling with the aftermath of Storm Babet that resulted in widespread flooding and left numerous residents feel neglected by local authorities.
Langworth at the Receiving End of Nature’s Fury
Langworth was badly affected due to torrential rain on Friday, October 20, falling victim to some of the most devastating impacts of Storm Babet. The sudden deluge allegedly caught the residents off guard, with Mike Herbert, Chairman of Langworth Group Parish Council, stating that there was "no warning at all" before the flooding ensued on Friday evening. He further claimed that local authorities have provided little to no assistance in the aftermath.
Distress and Desperation Among Residents
In a woeful representation of the storm's aftermath, Herbert described the case of a 76-year-old resident named Ann England, whose property was inundated with up to three feet of water mixed with raw sewage and fuel oil. With no home insurance and no family in the area, she was reluctantly moved from her home, which was flooded to the window sills.
Despite the difficulties, community spirit prevailed. An evacuation centre was established at the village’s memorial hall where volunteers assisted their beleaguered neighbours. Additionally, a WhatsApp group was created for better coordination among the volunteers.
Authorities Respond to Flooding Event
Councillor Colin Davie from Lincolnshire County Council, while acknowledging the considerable impact of the storm on communities, insisted that the unpredictability of surface water flooding made it challenging to issue warnings. Following Storm Babet, his team reportedly responded to over 450 urgent call-outs, and Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue attended to more than 500 emergency calls across Lincolnshire. The latter also allegedly arrived at Langworth only after being contacted by Herbert, but once present, they assisted with evacuations and provided practical support such as distributing sandbags and isolating electrics in at-risk properties.
According to Davie, at least 200 properties across the county were internally flooded. The council plans to investigate each case to devise better preventive measures. He also assured that tax relief and other funding will be offered to those impacted by the floods.
The Environment Agency declined to comment on the issue, attributing it to "surface water flooding".
Recovering from the Flood: A Long Road Ahead
Despite the harrowing ordeal, residents are hopeful and determined, spurred on by the visible community spirit and willingness to help each other. The long road to recovery continues, with many still awaiting aid and assistance from various agencies and local authorities.