Oxfordshire county councillor on tackling county's flooding

Councillor Pete Sudbury, deputy leader with responsibility for climate change, environment and future generations, reflected on the devastation inflicted by the elevated water levels.

He said: "Flooding is devastating for those who experience it.

Aerial footage of Oxford flooding (Image: Thom Airs Media)

"Mental illness like anxiety or depression is more than 10 times as common as would normally be expected in those who have been flooded, so it is something we take very seriously."

Mr Sudbury applauded the combined efforts of local authorities, the Environment Agency, Thames Water and more who worked extensively to manage the flood crisis.

He specifically cited their work during the wettest July to December period since 1890, and the challenges that arose from Storm Henk in early January.

He continued: "This winter was a foretaste of a difficult future for which we need to start preparing now.

Submerged cars at Wallingford Splash Pool car park (Image: Lynda Bowyer)

"Ninety per cent of the excess heating caused by climate pollution is absorbed by the oceans."

He suggested the record rainfall and strong winds the county experienced were a given due to the North Atlantic heat levels.

The councillor warned the repercussions of climate change will persist until carbon net zero is achieved.

As a result, "we need to get on the front foot...to cut the risk from and damage done by all types of flooding," he said.

Flooding in Dorchester (Image: Thom Airs Media)

The Oxfordshire County Council, blue light agencies, farmers, landowners and emergency planners are all working hand in hand to realise this goal, he said.

Mr Sudbury also emphasised examining areas badly hit by the floods to mitigate the hazard chance in the future.

Solutions range from simple measures like clearing ditches, to more sophisticated methods such as installing flood barriers and implementing large-scale pollution management techniques.

He added: "The way we farm and use our land will be vital.

"In built-up areas, we need to reduce the area of impermeable paving, put trees and shrubs back on to streets."

The deputy leader also flagged the need to stop constructions in flood-prone areas.

He also advised residents in at-risk areas to take individual precautions and learn from past flood experiences.

He said: "If you’ve been flooded, or experienced a near miss, make sure you take the opportunity to ‘build back better’ making your home or business more able to withstand the next flood."

Mr Sudbury recommended the Oxfordshire flood kit website as a guide to understanding risks, precautions, contacts and reporting strategies for flooding.