The Guardian - 1/04/13, Damien Carrington
Record rainfall led to widespread flooding, killing nine people, ruining crops and costing the country billions
"It's been the year when flooding became relevant to every part of the country. From the south-west to the north-east, every part of the country got hit," says Charles Tucker, chairman of the National Flood Forum, which represents more than 200 local community groups. "Flooding can now strike anywhere, and it needs to be recognised as the No 1 national emergency happening now."
The deluges that made 2012 England's wettest on record left persistently sodden ground: fresh downpours caused rapid run-off and flash flooding in places once thought to be safe. In June, the forum helped people in West Sussex after homes were flooded. "They were absolutely shocked – they are a community that had never been flooded before," said Tucker.
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