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SCOTLAND’S environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham has warned the heavy flooding seen in many parts of the country could be the start of worse to come as a result of climate change.
Storms battered Scotland, Wales and North East England over the weekend, causing homes to be evacuated, roads to be closed and public transport to grind to a halt.
Aberdeenshire was the worst hit with some 39mm of rain fell yesterday (Sunday, November 1) – nearly three quarters of the usual rainfall for November – as the rivers Cowie and Curran burst their banks.
Four flood warning are currently in place across Scotland, but with river levels falling back the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has rescinded all its severe flood warnings which were in place overnight.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has flood warnings currently in place for North West and North East England with more rain expected later this week.
Ms Cunningham warned the recent flooding could be the tip of the iceberg unless more is done to combat climate change.
She said: “Once again we have seen the misery and destruction flooding can cause. Our thoughts are with those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by the overnight floods.
“Climate change is clearly happening on our doorsteps and flooding events such as these are likely to occur with increasing frequency.
“Everyone needs to be aware of the increased risks and, as we have seen in the last 24 hours, that doesn’t just apply to those living in areas where there is a history of flooding.”
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Readers' comments (4)
Chris Lane | 2 November 2009 6:04 pm
It is clear that Roseanna Cunningham hasn't a clue and is acting in an opportune fashion to promote the alarmist notion of AGW. She says ...
"“Climate change is clearly happening on our doorsteps and flooding events such as these are likely to occur with increasing frequency."
As far as I'm aware there is no way that this weather event, or any other, can be attributed to man-made global warming.
As far as I'm aware loss of life and damage to property from flooding have decreased dramatically over the last century.
As far as I am aware no organization or person has proven predictive skill when it comes to climate.
Somebody contradict me ... please!!
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Anonymous | 2 November 2009 7:27 pm
just about everything in scotland has deteriorated since the snp took charge - the weather is no exception
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Anonymous | 3 November 2009 12:51 pm
There was much less flooding when the the then River Boards were responsible for dredging the river beds thus increasing the flow of water. This was a centuries old method of decreasing the risk of flooding. The EA should get off their computers and do some practical work to prevent flooding.
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m stuart | 3 November 2009 8:28 pm
Seems like you have an axe to grind anon, personally I think SNP have the potential to do awful lot of good for all land based industries and its a long time since anyone truthfully can say that
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