The Cost of Flood Defences by if1

The Cost of Flood Defences

336 - I hadn't intended to include more shots of the floods, but thought this shot illustrated an aspect of flood defence that I've so far not covered.

Over the past few months much has been said and written about the need for more flood defences and the cost of providing them, but this shot highlights the ongoing cost after the defences are completed.

The section of flood bank here has been showing signs of slipping for some time, and recently work began to repair it. Some material has been excavated from the bank, and the area covered temporarily to prevent rain causing further problems. Restoration will take place in the near future.

This is the third section of bank that has needed remedial work, and already a fourth section is beginning to show early signs of movement which will eventually need work carrying out on it.

These repairs aren't the result of errors in the construction of the bank, but simply the result of the combined effect of water and gravity and are a normal ongoing maintenance cost.

In the background, at the base of the bank, a cycle track can be seen disappearing into the flood water - it will be a few days before cyclists can use this cycle track again!
Wow this is lovely!!!
February 4th, 2013  
It's a beautiful shot - love the tree line - and really interesting to read about the flood defences.
February 4th, 2013  
Beautiful shot Ian. You have captured emotion for me...
February 4th, 2013  
Beautiful depth and lines and interesting to hear all about it.
February 4th, 2013  
I am both enchanted and horrified by the subject. But the viewpoint and composition are first class
February 4th, 2013  
Nice shot. Flooding is a huge drain on resources and very stressful for those caught up in it.
February 4th, 2013  
WoW!!! So much water!!! Water can be so devastating in the damage it can do... and it leaves you so powerless... last year after two floods the road below our home collapsed... just one night, it caved in... large enough to fit a car in!!!

A very good photo!!!
February 4th, 2013  
Great shot of water defence. We Dutch Know all about this. Ît is only 60 years ago that the place/area I live in was flooded in a big disaster .
February 4th, 2013  
Are you one such cyclist?
February 4th, 2013  
Great shot documenting some of the unseen costs that people don't think about.
February 4th, 2013  
Interesting shot that is also pretty - love that line of trees in the water.
February 4th, 2013  
Like the composition and pov and the colour lift from the orange mesh.
February 4th, 2013  
That is a huge amount of floodwater. Hopefully the new flood defenses will hold the water back
February 4th, 2013  
Very interesting. Nice shot. Thanks for the info.
February 4th, 2013  
It is a pity we have to fight with nature. A continuation of our lifestyle comes at some cost.
February 4th, 2013  
A great composition and really interesting to read the commentary - thanks.
February 4th, 2013  
Good shot. Thanks for info, very interesting
February 5th, 2013  
Makes a good shot, Ian, and interesting info!
February 5th, 2013  
Nice take on the whole flood subject
February 5th, 2013  
Bob
Nice perspective of the flooding and commentary explaining it..
February 5th, 2013  
Wow! Great perspective!
February 5th, 2013  
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I thought you might be getting fed up with the flood shots - this is the fiftth flood event since I started my project!

@todimf @busylady @adifferenteye @ruthmouch @chessington @witchyjacq @monkeykid @boomersworld @kph129 @malc @purplehaze12 @netkonnexion @dolphin @chris17 @rhos @bkbinthecity @bobhuegel @clmiller

@will_wooderson - I used to cycle a lot, mainly touring across northern England and Wales. Sadly the roads around York have become increasingly dangerous, so no cycling now.

@pyrrhula - I recently read about the floods of 1953. I knew they had been bad in the UK, but I hadn't realised just how devastating they were in Holland. A terrible event which I hope isn't repeated.

@tonydebont - I agree, it's sad that we have to fight nature, but unfortunately so many of our towns and cities are built by rivers and therefore at risk of flooding. It seems to be either build defences or abandon some of the most seriously affected towns and citys
February 5th, 2013  
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