Following a nation wide consultation, SEPA has published the National Flood Risk Assessment.

The National Flood Risk Assessment is the first step of the new risk-based approach to managing the impacts of flooding, introduced by the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009. It represents a significant milestone in our understanding of flood risk by bringing together the latest information on the sources and impacts of flooding across Scotland.

From the National Flood Risk Assessment we have found that one in 22 of all residential properties and one in 13 of all non-residential properties are at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea or heavy rainfall in urban areas. The outcomes of the National Flood Risk Assessment will help us to target actions for flood risk management in those areas where we can have the greatest impact.

SEPA has published the following documents to accompany the National Flood Risk Assessment:

• The National Flood Risk Assessment ( 774Kb): This document provides further detail on the National Flood Risk Assessment and how its outcomes support Flood Risk Management Planning.
• Flood Risk Management Strategies and Local Flood Risk Management Plans ( 463Kb): Provides detail on the content and production of Flood Risk Management Strategies and Local Flood Risk Management Plans.

>> View the National Flood Risk Assessment here

Freuchie is shown as being in an area at significant risk from flooding. Two locations within Freuchie are highlighted as “Flood Events” hotspots.

FFAG will be assessing the various documents and resources made available by SEPA.

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.

Following flooding in the West of Scotland over the last few days, Paul Hendy of the Scottish Flood Forum was interviewed by David MacKay on Scotland Tonight.

Do you agree or disagree with the comments made by Paul?

It is becoming increasingly clear that years of underinvestment by local authorities and Scottish Water need to be scrutinised from a flooding viewpoint. Both should and must do more in the coming years as the statutory duties of the Flood Risk Management Scotland Act 2009 come fully into force.

Our experience with Fife Council has seen a massive improvement in the way they deal with flooding over the last three years. The flood officers are taking their duties extremely seriously, working hard behind the scenes to do as much as possible. Unfortunately the budget they are given is no where near enough!

Many properties were built on sites where flooding was either not considered or the development was allowed to take place as long as it appeared to meet a 1 in 30 year flood return period. Thankfully the building standards of today insist on at least 1 in 200 years and it is now common for a Flood Risk Assessment to be performed in areas at risk of flooding.

SEPA has impressed FFAG over the last few years as they carefully consider flooding issues and planning applications. They’ve saved the community from worse flooding on more than one occasion.

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.

Sad news from Spain as an elderly couple are drowned in a flash flood.

Full story can be found here.

This story graphically illustrates the dangers from flash flood and the speed at which they can occur.

A Yellow (Be Aware) Severe Weather Warning has been issued by the Met Office:

Issued at – 26 Aug 2011, 12:42
Valid from – 26 Aug 2011, 12:00
Valid to – 26 Aug 2011, 21:00

Slow moving heavy rain, perhaps accompanied by thunder in places, will continue into this evening. The public should be aware that localised flooding from surface water is possible.

SEPA has issued a Flood Alert for Fife:

A FLOOD ALERT has been issued for Fife

from 26-08-2011 12:30 to 27-08-2011 12:30

A FLOOD ALERT has been issued for Fife.

Outbreaks of heavy rain, with some intense localised downpours, are expected to affect the area throughout Friday. The intensity of the rain may cause some surface water flooding, particularly in built up areas or on low lying roads. Flooding to low lying areas from small watercourses is also possible. Impacts are not expected to be widespread, but flooding may occur in localised areas where the rainfall is most intense. SEPA will continue to monitor the situation and further updates will be provided when new information becomes available. Conditions are expected to ease during Saturday.

Park Road in Rosyth has suffered devastating flooding according to the Dunfermline Press:
http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/roundup/articles/2011/08/11/416067-park-road–an-absolute-disaster-after-deluge/

STV is reporting flooding in Burntisland, Kilmany, St Andrews and Tayport:
http://news.stv.tv/scotland/tayside/265820-businesses-hit-and-roads-blocked-after-flooding-in-tayside-and-fife/

The BBC has done a great job of reporting on the Rosyth flood:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-14474329

Very sad news day for Fife.  FFAG is thinking of the people in the areas affected by flooding. We hope everyone’s home is flood free.

Hopefully home owners have invested in floodgates, airbrick covers and other flood protection products. Sandbags just aren’t up to the job of preventing flooding, although they do have a part to play to help manage flood waters.

FFAG would like to recognise the part Fife Council employees have played over the last few days. An officer from Transportation Services was out yesterday checking watercourses and the hard working guys from Community Services, who would normally be cutting the grass and keeping Fife looking beautiful, were out today checking high flood risk sites.

Hopefully Freuchie, and other communities in Fife, won’t need to test out the other flood response improvements recently made by Fife Council and partner agencies.

The Courier has written up an excellent news article regarding the recent floodgate fixture and fitting issue here in Freuchie – see page 4.

Thankfully the article is now a cautionary tale as the floodgates were returned last night.

Once again we are indebted to Craig at The Courier for showing such support for flooding issues.

Concerned local residents have closed the Greentree Brae floodgate as the level of  Freuchie Burn continues to rise.

Photo: Greentree Brae Bridge floodgate

The Freuchie Burn was running at about 60% when checked around 1:30pm today.