A flood alert has been issued. Groundwater levels in East Kent remain high but stable. The Alkham Bourne and the Nailbourne between Lyminge and Littlebourne are flowing. Localised flooding will continue to affect low-lying land, roads, and water infrastructure around the Elham Valley, Alkham and Petham. Other communities in East Kent may also be impacted. Please avoid walking or driving through flood water. The forecast is dry conditions today 26th April and will be wet at times this weekend. We are monitoring the situation and are working with local authorities and communities with the deployment of temporary defences, such as Canterbury City Council’s temporary defences in Barham and the Littlebourne Flood Relief channel. Our staff are maintaining and clearing key structures. Over the next month, sunnier conditions will likely result in a reduction in aquifer recharge, leading to a fall in groundwater levels. This message will be updated by 6pm on Friday 3rd May 2024. Search 'Kent Groundwater situation' on gov.uk for more information.
To check the latest information for your area
- Visit GOV.UK to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk
- Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.
- Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.
- For access to flood warning information offline call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 217000.
What you should consider doing now
- Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.
- Get ready to act on your flood plan if you have one.
- Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.
- Prepare a flood kit of essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, home insurance documents, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need.
- Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.
- In rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood.
- Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water - 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet.
- Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with it.
Businesses
- Keep your staff and customers informed about the situation.
For media enquiries please contact our media teams: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency/about/media-enquiries
# To check the latest information for your area - Visit [GOV.UK](https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk) to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk - Follow [@EnvAgency](https://twitter.com/EnvAgency) and [#floodaware](https://twitter.com/hashtag/floodaware) on Twitter. - Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio. - For access to flood warning information offline call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 217000. # What you should consider doing now - Monitor local water levels and weather conditions. - Get ready to act on your flood plan if you have one. - Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so. - Prepare a flood kit of essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, home insurance documents, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need. - Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies. - In rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood. - Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water - 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet. - Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with it. ##### Businesses - Keep your staff and customers informed about the situation. For media enquiries please contact our media teams: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency/about/media-enquiries
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