Somerset County Council has this afternoon called a major incident for the whole of Somerset in the light of ongoing flood risk for the region. 

The  declaration of major incident status means the Council can now call on outside agencies  – like the military – for help. The Council is hoping that this will include the provision of pontoon bridges and pumps. The Environment Agency has separately said that the water on the Somerset Levels is likely to be there until the end of February.

With more bad weather expected this weekend and high tides next week, there is the potential for more communities to be affected by flooding. The move follows the announcement this morning by Sedgemoor District Council’s decision to call a major incident for Somerset.

Deputy Council Leader David Hall said:

"We're supporting Sedgemoor District Council's decision to call the flooding in Somerset a major incident. The Met Office is forecasting more rain this weekend leading to an increase in flood water levels across the county. We also expect further high tides next week that will make the situation worse.

"We will continue to support residents affected by floods. We have recently extended our boat service for stranded residents in Muchelney and Thorney, we are helping communities strengthen their flood defences and will continue to ensure vulnerable people are safe."

Sedgemoor District Council declared a major incident this morning in response to prolonged and local flooding within the Sedgemoor area and the weather forecast over the next couple of days.

Chief Executive of Sedgemoor District Council, Kerry Rickards said that with significant rainfall expected over the coming days the Council felt the situation needed to be escalated as a major incident. Some villages in Somerset have now been cut off by floods for over three weeks.