PP...I remember the Towyn floods only too well ::
http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/northwestwales/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8516000/8516287.stm
I was working for BT at the time and we had requests from the local Council to provide men and vehicles for emergency aid. It was a terrible time and made worse because of the average age of the residents effected, most of which were really quite elderly. But I also remember the relief fund that was set up afterwards, to help those who had no insurance. It was said at the time that most of these people were just feckless but it transpired that a lot of them were not able to get or afford insurance. People really show their kindness after a disaster like Towyn.
I also have noticed a none-too subtle change in the Governments attitude over the last 24-48 hours. If I was a cynic, I might think that its because the flooding has now spread to nice middle class areas, like Surrey and Berkshire, with lots of Tory seats in Parliament. But of course, that would be far too cynical, wouldn't it ?