Flooding in Ilminster leads to community action and evacuations
Station Road among areas severely affected by flooding
Heavy rainfall on 26th January 2025 caused widespread flooding across South Somerset and particularly in Ilminster, with Station Road identified as a hotspot for inundation. The flooding resulted in the evacuation of several homes and led to immediate action from the emergency services and local community groups.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were called to Station Road early on 27th January to rescue residents trapped by the rising waters. According to a fire service spokesperson, three fire engines along with rescue teams from Chard, Ilminster, Taunton, and Bridgwater attended the scene. At least eight people were evacuated with two more in the process of being rescued by late morning.
Temporary refuge set up for residents
Evacuated residents were taken to the Minster Rooms, Court Barton, where the Ilminster Area Resilience Group, led by former mayor Leanne Taylor, organised temporary shelter.
The Ilminster Area Resilience Group has been focusing on helping those affected by floods by ensuring displaced individuals are cared for and supported. Leanne Taylor explained why she started the group a year ago:
“Ilminster floods really easily, and we felt like the community would come together if they were all under one group. Our main focus is on trying to make people aware of what they can do themselves, like keeping an eye on flood alerts and preparing grab bags with essential items. That way, when the worst happens, they are ready to cope.”
She added: “Our main focus is Ilminster people helping Ilminster people.”
Warnings in place as rainfall totals build
Amber and yellow rain warnings issued by the Met Office lasted from 5pm on 26th January until 10am the following morning. In higher areas of South Somerset, rainfall amounted to up to 60-80mm, which added to the strain on vulnerable parts of the area.
Ilminster Mayor Brian Hamilton explained how quickly the flooding developed:
“Flooding happened in Ilminster around 7am, and within an hour the situation had worsened. Station Road saw people marooned in industrial units due to rapidly rising floodwaters. The monitor at Donya nearby showed the river levels reaching 2.6 metres – just short of its peak record of 2.7 metres last year – giving us some warning to act early."
According to Hamilton, volunteers from the Ilminster Area Resilience Group were able to visit homes to warn residents about the dangers upstream and assist with evacuation planning. Focus on resilience planning for the future
Focus on resilience planning for the future
Taylor said that flooding is just one of the challenges Ilminster residents face, and the Ilminster Area Resilience Group hopes to expand its focus to address other concerns such as power outages, snow, crashes, and climate change impacts in the future.
“Our main aim is to support the community during tough times and ensure resources are in place for as many situations as possible,” she said.
With local efforts continuing, Ilminster residents are reminded to heed flood warnings, monitor alerts, and prepare ahead to reduce impact should severe weather strike again.