Charlie Edwards
Senior Researcher
Charlie Edwards writes, lectures and consults on national security, resilience, defence and intelligence. He works with international institutions, government departments, companies, and NGOs. He is a regular commentator in the national and international media.
From North Norfolk News:
Flood wardens in the north Norfolk village that was hit hardest by last year's storm surge have left emergency planners reeling after announcing they intend to go it alone in a bid to protect their community. Should another flooding emergency occur in Walcott, near Bacton, the wardens have said they will act independently of county's civil contingency response teams in an effort to “care for and protect” locals in the way they see fit. The newly formed Walcott Emergency Volunteers Association (WEVA) has sent a clear message to all those involved in emergency response.
What makes this piece so interesting is that emergency planners at North Norfolk District Council hadn't unexpected such a breakdown in the relationship between them and the flood wardens. Furthermore:
Walcott residents were left furious when emergency co-ordinators refused to turn on the evacuation sirens during the storm in November last year. Despite repeated requests from flood wardens, who could see water pouring over the sea wall, the alarm did not sound and wardens went ahead with the evacuation with many residents refusing to believe they were in imminent danger.
The key takeaway from this? Local knowledge is key.
WEVA spokesman Maurice Gray said: “A number of issues have caused concern for our volunteers during the past months and we feel shackled by the new criteria set out to undermine the intelligence of our flood wardens who, in some cases, have more than 40 years experience. Mr Gray said that WEVA had now setup its own committee with contingencies and polices to cope with an emergency.
Memo to self: Must get in touch.
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