Shrewsbury Flooding Case Study

Shrewsbury's location on the River Severn, in a low-lying area of the Severn Valley, makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding.

Heavy rainfall and snowmelt are two natural causes of flooding in Shrewsbury.

Urban development increases impermeable surfaces, which leads to higher surface runoff and reduces the land's ability to absorb rainwater.

<p>The large and meandering course of the River Severn can cause water to back up in certain areas, exacerbating flooding risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Snowmelt increases the volume of water entering the River Severn during winter and early spring, raising river levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The large catchment area allows rainwater from a wide region to contribute to rising river levels, increasing flood risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flooding can damage infrastructure and disrupt local businesses, which adversely affects the economy of Shrewsbury.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The development of impermeable surfaces due to urban expansion is a human-induced factor that exacerbates flooding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Displacement of residents, disruption to healthcare services, and loss of access to essential services are the primary social impacts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Channel modifications can reduce the natural capacity of rivers to handle large volumes of water, increasing flood risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flooding leads to significant property damage and financial losses, especially for retail and tourism sectors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flooding can damage ecosystems by harming wildlife habitats, degrading water quality, and causing soil erosion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flood defences, such as levees and embankments, aim to prevent river overflow into residential and commercial areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Soft engineering solutions include floodplain zoning, restoration of wetlands, and river restoration projects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flood warning systems provide advance alerts about potential flood events, allowing residents to take preventative measures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Challenges include the effectiveness of flood defences against extreme weather events and the sustainability of maintenance costs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Flooding can induce psychological stress due to the threat of recurrent flooding and displacement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Deforestation and land use changes reduce rainfall infiltration, leading to increased surface runoff and exacerbating flooding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Insurance companies may refuse coverage due to the high risk of repeated flooding and associated financial losses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dams and reservoirs help regulate river flow and reduce peak discharge during heavy rainfall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Emergency response plans and financial support from the government aid recovery efforts for affected communities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Climate change leads to more frequent and severe weather events, overwhelming existing flood management defences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A historic market town in Shropshire, England, located on the River Severn.

The longest river in the UK, flows through Shrewsbury.

The susceptibility of Shrewsbury to flooding due to its geographical location.

Factors like heavy rainfall and snowmelt that contribute to flooding.

Prolonged and intense rain that leads to increased runoff and river discharge.

The growth of impermeable surfaces which increases flooding risk.

The area where rainwater drains into the River Severn, affecting its levels.

The shape and slope of riverbanks that influence flooding occurrences.

Artificial changes to rivers to aid navigation and urban development.

Removal of trees leads to more surface runoff and less rainfall absorption.

Residents are forced to leave homes due to flooding, commonly in low-lying areas.

Flooding can disrupt healthcare and spread waterborne diseases.

Flooding leads to costly repairs for homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Flooding can block roads and transport routes, increasing costs.

Increased flooding raises insurance premiums, and coverage may be denied.

Flooding disrupts local ecosystems and harms wildlife and agriculture.

Structures like levees and embankments designed to prevent river overflow.

Temporary structures used to protect vulnerable areas during floods.

Regulations to limit development in flood-prone areas.

Using data to predict flooding and warn communities.

Collaborative plans for immediate action post-flooding.

Adapting to increased flooding from extreme weather due to climate change.

Strategies for financial aid and support after flooding events.