World

Dutch pumps in use at Somerset Levels

07:55 am on 14 February 2014

Two pumps from the Netherlands are being used to try to reduce water levels at the Somerset Levels in England. The area has been flooded for more than six weeks.

The BBC reports 13 Dutch pumps were imported by the Environment Agency to divert water to try and cut levels on the River Tone.

The agency said the scheme would reduce the flood risk in the villages of Northmoor and Saltmoor.

The BBC reports two high-capacity pumps are currently operating in Dunball - others have been installed in Beer Wall.

When they all are up and running they will move 7.3 million tonnes of water each day from the Somerset Levels.

However, severe flood warnings remain in place at Salt Moor and North Moor.

Floodwaters on the Somerset Levels in south-west England. Photo: AFP

More heavy rain is expected to hit parts of England and Wales on Friday morning.

Very high winds are forecast for Friday evening and Saturday morning.

BBC Weather forecaster Darren Bett said there would be up to 40mm of rain in some parts of south-west England, where many areas are already flooded.