River Thames reaches record levels as UK floods swell

As flood waters continue to rise, several water gauges along the River Thames have measured record levels.

12:49 10 February 2014

Although forecasters have said that today would be the driest day of the floods after the country was battered by strong rains and winds, flood water will continue to rise along the River Thames as previous rainfall worked its way downstream. 

 

In fact, several water gauges along the river have already measured record labels since official measurements began in the 1980s. 

 

Currently, there are 14 severe flood warnings along a stretch of the river in Berkshire and Surrey. The police have warned that 25,000 Surry homes are at risk. 

 

As well as the Environment Agency's 14 severe warnings - meaning "danger to life" - in areas in and around Staines, Egham, Chertsey and Datchet. There are also a further two warnings for the south-west of England in Salt Moor and East Lyng.

 

Meanwhile, after receiving harsh criticisms in relation to the flooding, the chairman of the Environment Agency insists that his staff members understand flooding far more than any politician. 

 

He said: "I have kept my counsel up to now, but when I hear someone criticising the expertise and the professionalism of my staff in the Environment Agency, who know 100 times more about flood risk management than any politician ever does, I'm afraid I'm not going to sit idly by.

 

"The Environment Agency is bound by the rules that are laid down by government."