Floods of '68 remembered (From Your Local Guardian)

Floods of '68 remembered

7:30pm Wednesday 17th September 2008

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We all like to moan about the weather, but if you cast your minds back 40 years, to the floods of 1968, the recent grey skies do not seem so bad.

Back then, torrential rain flooded 14,000 properties, washing away bridges, shutting off roads and cutting off phone communication.

Southeast England saw the wettest summer since 1931, as the already saturated towns in Surrey received inches of rain in just a few hours.

The river flow on the Wey and Mole was the highest ever recorded, bringing destruction to the surrounding towns.

Flood risk manager Ian Tomes said: “The storms that swept through southeast England brought devastation to many homes and businesses.

“As the rivers rose flood waters entered their properties, power and phone lines were cut, roads and railways were impassable.”

The rains of September 1968 were exacerbated by culvert and sewer blockages, prompting investigation into flood alleviation schemes to protect areas from a repeat of the disaster.

The Lower Mole Flood Alleviation Scheme, 3km of earth banks to protect Molesey, Esher, Hersham and Walton, has reduced the chance of flooding.

As scientists predict wetter winters, the Environment Agency continues its mission to develop new schemes and lower the threat.

“This anniversary, the memories of last summer and the very recent flooding across the country, are a reminder that floods can happen at any time of year and we all need to be prepared,” said Mr Tomes.

To sign up for an early warning system, call Floodline on 0845 881188.

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