A news article is being run on the BBC website and the news bulletins this morning about the worries over flood insurance for vulnerable areas.

Tens of thousands of people who were flooded in 2007 may find it impossible to get cover for their homes and businesses unless the government and insurers reach a new agreement.

Campaigners say the government needs to act quickly as guarantees on vulnerable homes are due to end in June 2013.

The Association of British Insurers argues the agreement was a temporary measure and has distorted the market.

It wants the government to offer more help.

To put it simply, the insurance industry committed to keep flood insurance affordable for at risk communities so long as the Scottish and UK government, local authorities and agencies make progress on flood protection and prevention. The real concern is not enough or slow progress is being made for the insurance industry to recommit to such arrangements in the future.

A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers, speaking on BBC Breakfast, confirmed more commitment from government was required and hinted at the need for a government  subsidy so at risk communities can be provided with affordable flood coverage.

The ABI and the Scottish Government compiled “A Joint Statement on the Provision of Flood Insurance” back in December 2008.

Freuchie, Falkland and the Newton of Falkland have all been recognised by SEPA as areas at risk of flooding.

Sad to see flooding occurring in Scotland following the torrential rain over the last few days.

BBC flood photos:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-15943842

Abington Primary School pupils rescued from flooding:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-15945986

Drivers stuck after rain causes flooding in Scotland:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-15922080

Here’s hoping no one has had their home flooded.

A flood alert is in force for Fife:

SEPA has issued a FLOOD ALERT for Fife.

Due to a continued period of prolonged and heavy rain which is forecast to continue throughout Wednesday, there is a risk of localised flooding, particularly from small watercourses, in the western areas of the region. The east of the region is not expected to experience the same degree of risk.
Intense periods of rainfall could result in some localised surface water issues in the west of the region, particularly in urban areas and on impermeable surfaces, such as the road network. Standing surface water may occur in these and other low lying areas.
SEPA will monitor the situation closely and provide further information when appropriate.

Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property. Advice and information is available through Floodline on 0845 9881188. This FLOOD ALERT UPDATE is now in force until further notice. If you haven’t already signed up to receive free flood messages, please call Floodline or register online at sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup.

The BBC is reporting flooding in many places throughout Scotland due to the heavy and intense rainfall over the last 24 hours. Areas from Balloch to Inverness, from Edinburgh to Perth have been affected by flooding of property and roads.

Freuchie has been lucky to only have experienced approximately 20mm of rainfall over the last 24 hours.

Our thoughts go out to our fellow Scots affected by flooding.

Sad to see more flooding in Perth this afternoon.

See the BBC News website for more details and a video:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-14174637

Thankfully Freuchie hasn’t seen much rainfall this afternoon following the 9mm deluge this morning.

Our thoughts go out to the residents of Lostwithiel, St Austell and elsewhere in south Cornwall who have suffered from flooding overnight.

The BBC is reporting fear of further flooding at high tide around  2pm. Fingers crossed everyone escapes further damage and distress.

More on this tragic story:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11773893 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11774642

Technorati Tags: BBC, Cornwall, flooding, flood, Lostwithiel

Our hearts go out to the communities of Scotland badly affected by flooding over the last 24 hours. Overnight the west of Scotland has been badly hit, with the north seeing flooding later on. It is now being reported that the south of Scotland is at risk of heavy rainfall and localised flooding. 

Media news articles on the flooding:

• BBC: Homes hit as torrential rain causes flooding
• Daily Record: Heavy rain causes rockfall and road closure near Edinburgh Castle
• Express: FAMILIES EVACUATED AS SCOTLAND HIT BY FLASH FLOODS
• STV: Flooding hits the west
• STV: Homes evacuated as heavy rain causes disruption across Scotland
• The Herald: Torrential rain causes floods across large parts of country
• The Scotsman: Whirlpool weather hits Scotland

Luckily Freuchie has only experienced a small amount of rainfall over the last 24 hours – only 11.1 mm in the 24 hours previous to 9am this morning and 2.1mm since. It is only a matter of time before Freuchie is in the news again as properties are flooded. We cannot be complacent in our campaign for a full flood study and flood prevention and protection projects.

Technorati Tags: BBC, Daily Record, flood, flooding, Express, Freuchie, Scotland, STV, The Herald, The Scotsman

Our thoughts go out to the people of Perth affected by flooding over the last few hours.

The Perth and Kinross Council website has the following update:

Severe weather and flood warnings

SEPA has issued a flood watch for the Lower Tay and tributaries following heavy rainfall.

There is localised flooding in the Perth and Kinross area due to surface water runoff following the heavy overnight rain. Around 45 mm of rain fell in the Perth area overnight.

There are difficult driving conditions throughout the area due to surface water on roads and localised flooding.

The entry slip road from A85 Dundee Road at Perth to M90 is closed southbound due to flooding at Junction 11, Friarton Bridge. A diversion is in operation – southbound via Kinfauns flyover.

Feus Road in Perth is closed due to flooding. The B898 Dalguise Road is closed at Craignuisq. The road is effectively closed between A9 (T) at Jubilee Bridge and A827 Pitnacree Bridge. A diversion is in place via A9 to Ballinluig and A827.

The A924 Bridge of Cally to Pitlochry, at Tarvie, is closed due to flooding.

Crieff Road Pre-School Centre is closed today due to flooding however arrangements have been made for the Service to be provided today from Goodlyburn Primary School.

The Met Office has also issued a severe weather warning for the area. Rain will be persistent and heavy at times today. The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the latest SEPA Live Flood Warning Information, and also to Traffic Scotland for further advice on road conditions.

Please continue to keep an eye on the situation in your area and listen to local radio and television for further information.

This page will be updated throughout the day if the situation with road closures or flooding changes.

Checkout the BBC online article and the STV news article and video report about the Perth flood.

Technorati Tags: BBC, flooding, Perth, STV

Our thoughts go out across the pond to the flood hit communities of Arkansas.

It is being reported that 16 people have been killed with another 40 unaccounted for when rivers rose 6 metres. At one point the height of the rivers rose 2.5m in an hour.

The flood survivors interviewed in this BBC news report paint a particularly harrowing scene.

Technorati Tags: Arkansas, BBC, flood, flooding

Interesting news article from the BBC, which has some alarming facts on climate change and how it is impacting on natural disasters, including our area of interest: flooding.

Technorati Tags: BBC, climate change, flooding, natural disasters