Rain

For Sheffield and much of South and East Yorkshire, last month was not just ludicrous, it was devastatingly tragic. Sheffield suffered 400% more rain than the June average. Even as early as the 14th, 88mm fell in just one day. Hence the land was sodden when the worst rain of all gushed down on the 25th and 26th of the month. It was officially Sheffield's wettest ever month - not just the wettest June but the wettest month in our city since records began. This weekend looks promising but even into July the skies have been heavy and leaden with rain either falling or threatening.

Another Yorkshire city to be hit hard on the 25th was Hull - home to my beloved Hull City AFC. Nearly two weeks after the flooding began, they reckon that some 17,000 homes have been badly affected (only 1260 in Sheffield!) For many of these people, the aftermath doesn't bear thinking about - stripping of plaster walls, replacement of floorboards, cleaning, replacement furniture, weeks of drying out. The stress will remain awful. Another tragedy surrounds the damage caused to 90% of Hull's schools - some schools are so badly damaged that they won't be able to function normally again for over a year - floors to be replaced - replastering - redecorating - replacing furniture - thorough cleaning etc..

Chanterlands Avenue, Hull - reflections of the sky mask a more horrible reality.

Hull is England's seventh largest city and yet the national news services largely ignored what was happening there until they were deluged (excuse the pun) with emails and complaints and then they finally allowed Hull's plight to hit the news. For example, it wasn't until Thursday July 4th that the BBC evening news ran a special upon the disaster in Hull. National politicians have been just as dilatory. Our new Primeminister, Gordon Brown, should have been up in Hull and South Yorkshire a day or two after the flooding to show solidarity with and governmental care for beleaguered citizens. Yet I understand his much belated visit will occur today July 7th! Too late Gordon!

Beverley, East Yorkshire - near my mother's residential home.

I thank heavens that our house has not been affected - nor Ian's new house near Sheffield United's ground. Flooding is a terrible thing. Lives have been lost, homes ruined and once again England's north/south divide has been shown in stark and bitter relief.

Addendum: Ms Muddyboots from East Yorkshire correctly ticked me off for failing to refer to the flood damage in outlying East Yorkshire villages. Just one unreported flood-related event happened in the village where I was born and raised. Last year, a small estate of some sixty modern designer homes was completed to the south of the village on somewhat low-lying land and yes - you have guessed it - the land flooded and all sixty homes had to be evacuated after water two feet deep penetrated floors and walls, causing misery and damage. These homes are people's dreams - so much hope and money invested in them - and even when they are sorted out after many months, the memory will remain alongside the fear that it could happen again. Why are builders allowed to build on land liable to flooding? It's crazy.

To support the citizens of Hull - many of the poorest absolutely uninsured - send donations to the Hull Flood Fund (click link)