Investigation into Storm Babet looks at impact it had on Debenham, near Framlingham

It has been revealed some Suffolk residents are still not back in their homes nine months on from flooding caused by Storm Babet.

Suffolk County Council said a detailed investigation into the storm looked at the effect it had on the village of Debenham, near Framlingham - one of the worst hit communities.

An extra £1 million was spent bringing in specialists to carry out the thorough investigations.

A report, published by the council today, includes a list of short, medium and long-term recommendations which could ‘improve resilience and reduce the risk of flooding in these communities’.

In a typical year, the council carries out around three or four of these flood investigations; however, following Storm Babet in October about 50 have been commissioned.

Cllr Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: “The impact of Storm Babet is still being felt across the county with some people still not back in their homes.

“Communities such as Debenham have suffered as a result of this storm and these in-depth investigations will help us work with them and other communities to lower flood risk and build resilience ahead of future flood events.

“We recognised the importance of carrying out these investigations thoroughly following Storm Babet, so invested an extra £1 million of funds to bring in additional specialists.”

Cllr West urged anyone who suffered internal flooding as a result of Storm Babet to apply for a grant to make their homes more resilient to future floods.

Applications can be made until April 2025, anyone interested can contact the council at floodgrants@suffolk.gov.uk.”

Since the storm, targeted recovery work has been carried out across Suffolk to ensure damaged highway infrastructure is repaired.

Short term measures outlined in its report include implementing community flood plans and removing blockages within watercourse and drainage infrastructure.

Potential improvements to drainage infrastructure and the creation of new natural flood management features, are some of the medium to longer term recommendations.