Okehampton is at particular risk of flash flooding, following the wettest year on record for England, according to the Environment Agency.

The EA has identified the town as a location at risk of flash flooding due to the steepness of the surrounding valley, and the East and West Okement rivers meeting in Okehampton, which respond rapidly to rainfall.

Flash flooding is caused by sudden intense rainfall, with little or no warning, often before emergency services arrive. It can be very destructive, flooding homes, moving rocks, tearing trees out of the ground, sweeping away vehicles and damaging buildings, walls and bridges.

Central Devon MP Mel Stride witnessed the destructive potential of flooding, having visited Buckfastleigh and Stoke Canon in the aftermath of last year's deluge.

He said: 'I was very concerned by the damage done to homes in my constituency during the flooding before Christmas and was encouraged that both the Environment Minister and the Prime Minister personally visited my constituency to see the damage first-hand, underlining how seriously the Government is taking the issue of flood defence.

'I am pleased that the Government is putting greater investment into flood defences and welcome the recent announcement from the Environment Agency that it is on track to exceed its target of better protecting 145,000 homes across England and Wales by 2015.

'I am liaising closely with the Environment Agency regarding Okehampton.'

More than 5.5-million homes and businesses are at risk from flooding in England and Wales. For more than 500,000 the risk of flooding from the rivers and sea is high. This number could increase by over 60% by 2035, due to the effects of climate change.

The EA is working to raise awareness of the risk of flash flooding in a number of locations across Devon, including Okehampton.

Kate Taylor, community engagement officer for the EA's flood resilience department said: 'Okehampton is at a high risk of flash flooding. Although the likelihood is rare, flooding could occur at any time with severe consequences.

'The exceptionally wet weather over the last twelve months has resulted in floods affecting communities across the South West.

'The suffering and disruption this has caused reminds us about the impacts of flooding.

'It is not possible to eliminate the possibility of floods from ever happening, but it is possible to reduce the risk. To stop future floods having an impact on you and your family, it is important to consider your flood risk and whether you are prepared.

'Residents and businesses can contact the Environment Agency to check if they are at risk of flooding and to register to receive free flood warnings. 

'You could consider investing in flood prevention products, or keeping a stockpile of useful materials including plywood, plastic sheeting, sandbags and sand, so you are prepared to protect your home or business in the event of a possible flood. 

'Act now by planning what you would do in a flood, to help reduce the damage and distress flooding could cause. You could prepare a flood kit or a personal flood plan in advance. You can find a template for a personal flood plan on the Environment Agency's website, or you can contact them directly to request a paper copy.

'People living in rural places near Okehampton, such as Brightley, could consider preparing in the same way. For instance, South Zeal already has its own community flood plan.' (See page 3).

The wet weather throughout 2012 saw flood warnings put out across the Okehampton area during the height of the flooding in December, but the town escaped the worst of the weather.

For further information and advice, visit the Environment Agency's website, email [email protected]">[email protected] or call 03708 506506 and ask to speak to Flood Resilience Devon.