Somerset Council teams remain on the ground supporting communities hit by flash flooding earlier this week (Tuesday 9 May). 

Council officers are continuing to identify and provide immediate support to residents and businesses who are affected, and the council wishes to hear from anyone who hasn't yet made contact. Please call 0300 123 2224 and choose option 1 during office hours, and the same number and option 4 out of hours 

Among the affected areas are Queen Camel, Milverton, Galhampton, North Cadbury, Yarlington, Bridghampton, Podimore and West Camel, with at least 60 homes and businesses hit by flooding. However, during the visits so far it has become clear a wider area has been impacted. 

The immediate response was led by emergency services with support from Somerset Council teams, voluntary agencies and other partners. Since then, council teams have been supporting communities with Highways and Street Scene teams clearing flooded roads, silt, mud and debris and assessing any damage to the carriageway. 

Cllr Sarah Dyke, Lead Member for the Environment and Climate Change said:  "This was a truly shocking event – extraordinary levels of rain in a short space of time leading to torrents of water hitting communities. My heart goes out to all those affected.  

"We will continue to provide all the support we can – please get in touch if you've been affected and haven't yet made contact. 

"I want to thank emergency services for their swift response, and the fantastic efforts of the voluntary agencies and our own officers and partner agencies for the work they're doing to support communities." 

Key works completed by highways teams so far include: 

·       Emergency gully emptying and jetting 

·       Initial assessments of damage and some repairs have commenced 

·       A359 in Queen Camel was closed due to bridge safety concerns – this has reopened on Wednesday (11 May) following safety inspections. 

·       Sweeping roads across the area 

This work is ongoing.   

Anyone who has experienced property flooding can report it to us by emailing [email protected] or log online at https://swim.geowessex.com/somerset/. 

Although we have been working over the last 24 hours to identify affected residents there may be people who we haven't reached. If you are aware of anyone who needs support please advise them to call 0300 123 2224 and choose option 1 during office hours, same number and option 4 out of hours.