Record Rainfall Hits Buckinghamshire
In September, the east of England, particularly Buckinghamshire, faced unprecedented rainfall, marking the wettest September in 188 years. This culmination of torrential downpours led to severe flooding on September 22, impacting over 500 properties as rivers overflowed their banks. While the focus has rightfully shifted to emergency rescues and home restorations, local businesses are grappling with the long-term consequences of climate change-fueled flooding.
A Personal Crisis for Awake Organics
Melissa Kimbell, director of Awake Organics—a business specializing in natural hair, skin, and body care products—describes the ongoing crisis experienced by her team. Floodwaters rushed into their facility located on a family-run farm near Olney, forcing them to confront severe damage and disruption. Her husband, James, learned about the flooding and attempted to reach the site but was halted by impassable roads, leaving them anxious about the potential devastation awaiting them.
The Impact of the Flood on Daily Operations
While Melissa was away visiting family in Canada, she received alarming messages and images from her team detailing the extent of the flooding. “My heart sank,” she expressed in a communication to customers. The rapid flooding not only soaked through their creations but also left the workspace covered in thick mud. By the time James reached the facility, water was pouring in from various directions, highlighting just how urgent the situation was.
Quick Response and Resilience
Despite the chaos, the team immediately sprang into action to salvage what they could—cleaning, drying, and uprooting damaged floors. Their proactive “nothing on the floor” policy limited stock losses, but the extensive clean-up efforts proved to be time-consuming and draining. With many local businesses suffering from similar damage, Melissa noted that the landowner’s insurance company had only managed a single visit, compelling the business to take matters into their own hands.
Community Support Amidst Adversity
In the immediate aftermath of the flooding, the local community rallied to help those affected. However, as time progressed, Melissa observed that “everyone’s just trying to tread water.” The crucial pre-Christmas sales season is now overshadowed by recovery efforts, delaying product launches and squeezing the team into a single, unaffected section of their building.
Reflecting on Broader Impacts of Climate Change
Melissa’s experiences have fostered a deeper understanding and empathy for others who have faced far worse situations due to environmental challenges. She noted with concern about ongoing weather catastrophes across regions such as North Carolina and Florida as Hurricane Milton struck the United States. Coming from Canada, she also shared her past experiences dealing with extreme weather, including a devastating hailstorm that severely damaged her home.
Future Concerns for the Community
The unexpected deluge in Buckinghamshire has left Melissa contemplating the future for her community amid changing climate patterns. The recent flooding has sparked worries about repeating such disasters and the resilience needed to confront ongoing environmental challenges. Historical data confirms that September was unusually wet, with the Met Office reporting 176mm of rain—318% over average.
Climate Change Consequences Looming
Spokespeople from the Environment Agency highlighted that these floods indicate a shift in climatic patterns, emphasizing that the UK will likely experience wetter winters coupled with dryer summers and warnings of more intense rainfall. As businesses like Awake Organics fight to recover, the broader implications of climate change echo through their experiences, underscoring the urgent need for adaptation and resilience in the face of unpredictable weather.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Euronews
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