Nov. 4, 2000, 5:12PM

Worst flooding since 1625 hits parts of England Associated Press

LONDON -- The British government announced emergency measures today to cope with severe nationwide flooding as water levels peaked in the northern city of York at the highest level since at least 1625.

Following an emergency Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said the government would streamline financing of local-level flood relief to ensure resources are available ahead of more rain expected Sunday.

The government also approved an extra $76.5 million for flood defenses in England over the next four years.

"This will not alleviate all the suffering and disruption, but I believe it will help people and local authorities cope with a very difficult situation," Prescott said.

An intense storm front battered Britain earlier this week, unleashing high winds and torrential rain that plunged road and rail transport into chaos. After the storms passed, rainwater steadily drained into the nation's rivers, causing the worst flooding in more than 50 years.

In York, about 200 miles north of London, the River Ouse peaked today just short of the top of the emergency flood barrier. The level -- 17 feet, 8 inches -- was an inch higher than a 1625 flood, the Emergency Agency said.

The agency said some improvement was expected this weekend in the city. But more heavy rain -- up to two inches -- was forecast for parts of England on Sunday.

David Atkinson of the York City Council said 3,000 homes had been put on evacuation alert Friday night but only 100 people needed to be evacuated.

The agency said the River Severn was approaching a peak in the western city of Gloucester, where about 20 homes had been flooded.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/world/737574

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), November 04, 2000

Answers

Britain Gets Waterlogged

As Waters Rise, Emergency Measures OK'd To Help England Cope Another $76.5 Million Set Aside For Flood Control Over 4 Years Rain Continues To Fall; At Some Points Hit Highest Level Since 1625

LONDON, Nov. 4, 2000 (AP) The British government announced emergency measures Saturday to cope with severe nationwide flooding as flood waters peaked in the northern city of York at the highest level in nearly four centuries.

Following a Cabinet meeting convened to respond to the crisis, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said the government would streamline financing of local-level flood relief to ensure resources are available ahead of more rain expected Sunday.

The government also approved an extra $76.5 million for flood defenses in England over the next four years.

"This will not alleviate all the suffering and disruption, but I believe it will help people and local authorities cope with a very difficult situation," Prescott said.

An intense storm front battered Britain earlier this week, unleashing high winds and torrential rain that plunged road and rail transport into chaos. After the storms passed, rainwater steadily drained into the nation's rivers, causing the worst flooding in more than 50 years.

In York, about 200 miles north of London, the River Ouse peaked Saturday just short of the top of the emergency flood barrier. The level B 17 feet, 8 inches B was an inch higher that the 1625 flood, the Emergency Agency said.

The agency said some improvement was expected this weekend in the city. But more heavy rain B up to two inches B was forecast for parts of England on Sunday.

David Atkinson of York City Council said 3,000 homes had been put on evacuation alert Friday night but only 100 people needed to be evacuated. Earlier reports of 3,000 people being evacuated apparently had confused actual evacuations with alerts.

The Agency said the River Severn was approaching a peak in the western city of Gloucester, where about 20 homes had been flooded.

http://cbsnews.com/now/story/0,1597,246342-412,00.shtml

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), November 04, 2000.