Severe flooding from Storm Bert has significantly impacted Oxfordshire, resulting in more than 400 emergency calls to the fire service as communities grapple with the aftermath of the storm. The joint Thames Valley Fire Control room documented over 800 calls over three days, 405 of which were from Oxfordshire alone. Rob MacDougall, Oxfordshire's Chief Fire Officer, reported the attendance of local fire crews at over 79 incidents related to the flooding.
The nature of these incidents varied but included both internal and external flooding, as well as vehicle rescues. The emergency response teams were not working alone; they were backed by officers, emergency planners, and support staff associated with the Fire and Rescue Service and the wider County Council. MacDougall expressed gratitude for the collective efforts, remarking, "Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to support Oxfordshire - you are awesome."
Residents of Oxfordshire are sharing heart-wrenching stories of loss and damage. Among them is Ellie Bailey, who recently experienced flooding for the second time within two months at her rented basement residence. The flooding impacted not only her belongings but also her emotional well-being as her wedding gifts and the clothes of her young son were lost when floodwaters rose up to four feet. "All you could see was my son’s toys floating past. He said, ‘Look Mummy, there’s my train.’ He doesn’t seem too bothered about it. You have to laugh, or you’d cry," Bailey shared, echoing the despair of many affected by the storm.
Meanwhile, businesses were not spared. The New Inn pub, located alongside other properties, suffered considerable damage due to the River Great Ouse breaching its banks. Louise Maloney, the pub's owner, highlighted her frustrations at having been assured previously by authorities and flood defenses improvements. "Everything in the cellar is pretty much damaged. It’s basically thousands and thousands of pounds worth of stock gone to waste," she lamented.
Flooding has led to widespread disruption as some community events were canceled, and businesses faced closures, particularly affecting local non-profits. St David's Hospice charity shop, for example, is expected to remain closed until January due to extensive damage from the floodwaters. Head of retail Ross Hughes expressed sadness over the situation, stating, "I’m just so sad we won’t be able to support the local community this Christmas. Everything is completely destroyed."
The ripple effects of Storm Bert's devastation extend to thoughts on infrastructure and flood defenses. Councillor Bob Owen from Risca is calling on local councils to reassess their storm damage preparedness. He said, "Having spoken to many people, drainage was mentioned often. It’s likely to be a key factor. What was the capability to take away heavy rainfall water?"
This focus on drainage stems from conversations about the adequacy of preventative measures, particularly as many residents noted blocked drains prior to the storm’s impact. Owen encouraged affected families to voice their concerns to council representatives, emphasizing community involvement during these challenging times. "I have been overwhelmed by the spirit shown by all local residents. Thank you one and all," he stated, acknowledging the encouraging demeanor of locals amid despair.
Elsewhere, the community came together to support one another, showing resilience following the storm. There are many other residents like Bailey and Maloney, who have experienced similar losses, but are drawn toward the prompt, unity of the community as they recover. Bailey mentioned, "The landlord and council have been great, and the local community has offered replacement clothing and furniture."
Daniel Evans, who runs Knights Pharmacy, reported significant water damage, where flood water reached dangerously high levels, impacting pharmacy operations. The storm's chaos brought not just structural damage, but psychological strain as residents faced the loss of their homes and businesses. Evans focused on the urgent necessity for improvement, stating, "This has happened twice within months; surely we need stronger flood defenses to combat climate changes and extreme weather?"
Following the storm, discussions about improving flood defenses have intensified, highlighting areas where local councils fell short and community infrastructures required urgent reviewing. Numerous residents are now advocating for more rigorous evaluations and enhancements to drainage systems throughout the region.
The situation has drawn the attention of local government entities, as they assess the overall damages and begin planning for recovery. Efforts include providing support resources for affected residents and businesses, focusing on enhancing resilience against future flooding crises.
Looking forward, the local council and community members are determined to face and combat the challenges highlighted by Storm Bert. Many now call for actions bringing about preventive strategies to avoid devastating losses again; the hope is for new standards, stronger drainage systems, and improved alert and response systems to protect against future storms.
This latest flooding episode has spotlighted broader issues connected with how climate change is impacting local seasons and weather patterns, forcing everyone involved to adapt rapidly lest future storms resemble the calamitous events experienced during Storm Bert.
With extensive cleanup efforts underway, support from local governments, volunteers, and organizations is anticipated to be pivotal as residents and businesses strive to regain normalcy. The path to recovery will take time, but there's hope as the collaborative spirit of Oxfordshire shines brightly, proving the community bonds weave tightly even during tumultuous times.
