More flood specialists to come to Suffolk after Storm Babet

Suffolk was battered by torrential downfall during the storm, leading to damage to roads and hundreds of properties and businesses becoming flooded.

Targeted recovery work and investigations have since been taking place. 

Framlingham was one of the worst affected areas (Image: Carl Squirrell)

The county council revealed an estimated 750 homes were affected by flooding during the storm, with that number expected to increase. 

Investigations, taking place under the Section 19 of the Flood Water and Management Act, are trying to establish the source of flooding, impacts on people and infrastructure and any action which could be taken to increase resilience to future storm events.

While Suffolk County Council carries out three to four of these investigations every year, almost 100 are set to be needed following Storm Babet.

Suffolk County Council leader Matthew Hicks said: “The impact of this truly unprecedented event is still being felt across the county and will continue to do so for months to come, so it is important that we recognise that and increase our resources appropriately.

“These investigations help us to work with communities to establish the cause of flooding in the worst hit areas and identify ways to manage the risk better in future.”

Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s deputy cabinet member for highways drainage and flood recovery, added: “Our teams continue to work incredibly hard to help our flood-hit communities get back to their feet following the recent storms.

“This increase in resource will mean we can do even more with our communities and, importantly, quicker.”

Flooded property owners can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to flooding through Government funding. 

People are advised to report flooding to the council here.