Military completes flood defence inspections

The military were trained last month to assist the Environment Agency in their flood defence inspections, which are now complete.

Military personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force have assisted the Environment Agency in their flood defence inspections as part of the Military Aid to other Government Departments programme.

The support was requested by the Environment Agency in order to speed up the completion of their inspection programme by building capacity in their response as a whole, after flood defences across England were damaged by Storms Desmond, Eva and Frank.

The support from the MOD ensured that the assessments could be carried out urgently, identifying any necessary repairs throughout England’s flood affected areas.

Armed Forces Minister, Penny Mordaunt, said: “Following an exceptionally wet winter our skilled men and women from the Armed Forces have been making a real difference, helping the Environment Agency to protect the public from future flooding. This continued assistance demonstrates the value of our military services not only in war fighting but in contingency operations as well.”

The military helped with inspections of over 10,000 flood defences from the South of England to North Yorkshire since the beginning of February, travelling along coastlines and rivers using electronic tablets to record and report the condition of embankments, flood walls, outfalls and barriers.

Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, said: “We have a strong partnership with the Army and worked with them closely to help communities affected by flooding during December’s record-breaking wet weather. Now our vital recovery work is underway, the military have worked with our teams in areas around the country to finish our routine flood defence inspections. This is essential work which enables us to prioritise any repairs needed and ensure that homes and businesses are well protected.”

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