Midlands flooding impacts over 7,000 buildings – ICEYE

Thousands of buildings have been impacted by recent flooding across the Midlands, data collected by satellite-powered propositions provider ICEYE has shown.

Heavy rain in January has affected many parts of the UK, including Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and Yorkshire.

ICEYE said it was looking at the Midlands using its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, which provides near real-time data on flood depth, extent and duration within hours of a flood peak.

The analysis revealed a total flood extent of 1,153sq km, with at least 7,000 affected buildings and an average flood depth of 25cm, impacting Northampton, Newark-on-Trent and Derby.

ICEYE said: “The ICEYE team is actively monitoring the Midlands and is focusing on the most affected areas.

“ICEYE continues to capture data from the event and will release further analysis of the building level impact.”

Environment Agency warning

This comes after the Environment Agency urged people to stay vigilant to the risk of flooding and stay away from swollen rivers on 10 January 2024.

It said that teams were still operating flood defences and basins to manage possible impacts.

Daniel Bond, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: ”Environment Agency teams continue to be out on the ground, operating flood defences, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding, issuing flood warnings and supporting those communities affected.

”We urge people to remain vigilant over the next few days, advise anyone travelling to be careful and urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”