The largest pumping operation ever undertaken in Somerset  is continuing as the Somerset Levels experience the highest level of flooding for almost two decades.

The Environment Agency is warning that heavy showers could cause further flooding in south west and southern England through to Wednesday.

 With the ground already saturated, rivers and groundwater levels remain very responsive to rainfall, particularly on the Somerset Levels and Moors – which are currently experiencing the most significant flooding for 20 years.

Environment Agency teams are currently continuing to operate up to 62 pumps, 24-hours a day, to drain an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of water off an area of the Levels spanning 65 square kilometres – the biggest pumping operation ever undertaken in the county.

 There is also a risk of groundwater flooding in Hampshire until Wednesday. Parts of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, West Berkshire and Surrey may also experience localised groundwater flooding over the next five days.

 The Somerset Levels has a history of flooding dating back centuries. The tidal range in the Bristol Channel is the second highest in the world – with high tides causing flood water to back up along the rivers across the Levels and Moors.

 The Environment Agency said it will be working with Government, the local council, Internal Drainage Boards and other partners on a long-term action-plan for tackling flood risk on the Somerset Moors and Levels.

Kate Marks, Environment Agency flood risk manager, said:

“We are doing everything we can to pump water off the Somerset Levels and have 65 pumps working 24-7 in the biggest pumping operation ever undertaken in the county. “

 “Nationally we spent £45m in the last financial year on river clearance, including dredging and weed removal and de-silting work was last carried out on pinch points on the Parrett and Tone rivers in November. However, dredging is often not the best long term or economic solution and increased dredging of rivers on the Somerset Levels would not have prevented the recent widespread flooding.”

Environment Minister Owen Paterson came in for heavy criticism when he visited the stricken region yesterday – in particular for failures to dredge the rivers.

Mr. Paterson has asked key stakeholders to prepare an action plan by mid-March setting out the way forward.

The Environment Agency currently has 14 flood warnings in place where flooding is expected and immediate action required  - 10 of which are in the South West- and a further 143 flood alerts.