Floods Minister visits Somerset communities affected by recent heavy rainfall

Floods Minister Emma Hardy visited Langport in Somerset on 10 February to see local flood impacts; the Environment Agency has deployed high-volume pumps and reports about 16,200 properties protected while over 300 properties have been flooded.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy visited Langport in Somerset on 10 February to observe how recent heavy rainfall has affected the local community. The Somerset Levels has been among the most affected areas during one of the wettest starts to the year. Environment Agency teams have been operating high-volume pumps and working on river clearance and temporary barriers. Officials report that many properties have been protected while some homes and businesses have still been flooded. What officials reported: - The minister visited Langport on 10 February to receive briefings from Environment Agency officers and hear from residents. - The Environment Agency has deployed high-volume pumps in the Somerset Levels and carried out vegetation clearance and removal of river obstructions. - Officials say around 16,200 properties have been protected so far this year, while more than 300 properties—mostly in Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall—have been flooded. - The minister noted ongoing rainfall and said operations are continuing; the next formal procedural steps are undetermined at this time. Summary: The visit highlighted active flood-response work and the continued effects of heavy rain on communities in the southwest. Undetermined at this time.