Van Heck, a Dutch company that specialises in water control and displacement, has so far sent 21 large pumps and more than 30 truck-loads of pipework to Somerset. With more rain forecast, it is likely that more equipment will be sent over.
The team, headed by managing director Jeroen Van Heck, is deploying the pumps to move floodwater against the tidelock in the Bridgwater area.
Meanwhile the government’s emergency committee COBR has been meeting every day this week. Communities secretary Eric Pickles told the House of Commons yesterday: “Pumping continues, but is challenging to keep pace with the inflow from the latest rainfall and levels are increasing in some areas. It is likely to take weeks to remove the sheer volume of flood water once there is a significant break in the weather.”
Flooding has now spread to the Berkshire and Surrey where the Thames burst its banks between Datchet and Shepperton Green. The Thames Barrier was once again closed last night for the 30th time of the year already.
Environment Agency chief executive Paul Leinster said: “Our hearts and sincere sympathy go out to those who have already experienced the dreadful aftermath of flooding. Our teams will continue to work around the clock to protect lives, homes, businesses, communities and farmland over the coming days.”
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
