Photos show flood-hit Somerset before and after disaster

The only means of travelling in and out of Muchelney at the time was by the emergency boat service or tractors. Credit: PA

Prince Charles said he "had to do something" to highlight the plight of Somerset residents during the flooding, as he returned to the area for the first time since the devastation today.

His visit came five months after he saw for himself the impact of the flooding on agriculture and the lives and livelihoods of residents on the Somerset Levels.

The Levels suffered "once in 100 years" flooding in July 2012, but endured even worse conditions last winter.

On his first visit to the region, the Prince of Wales had to use the emergency boat service - the only means of travelling in and out of Muchelney at the time - and a tractor to meet people in their own homes.

Before and after photos show the extent of damage the floods had on the village.

More than 128,000 acres were deluged - at a huge cost to local farmers - with around 40 homes under water and 200 more cut off.

More than 128,000 acres were under water last winter. Credit: PA
Prince Charles today revisited one of the areas worst-hit by floods. Credit: PA
The only way to get in and out of the village was by emergency boat service. Credit: PA
The village of Muchelney five months on. Credit: PA
Around 40 homes were under water and 200 more cut off during the floods early this year. Credit: PA
A road of in Somerset five months on from the disastrous floods. Credit: PA
More than 128,000 acres of Somerset land were under water earlier this year. Credit: PA
Five months on and the village has completely revived from the disaster. Credit: PA
The Prince of Wales had to use the emergency boat service on his initial visit to the village in February. Credit: PA
Cars are back on the road and emergency boats are no longer needed to get in and out of the village. Credit: PA
The only means of travelling in and out of Muchelney at the time was by the emergency boat service or tractors. Credit: PA
Five months on the flood-hit village is a completely different site. Credit: PA
Around 40 homes in Somerset were under water earlier this year. Credit: PA
The village of Muchelney in Somerset has recovered from the floods. Credit: PA

Councillor Mike Best, chairman of South Somerset District Council, said: "We are delighted and honoured that His Royal Highness has chosen to return so soon.

"We are proud that he will see the amazing recovery achieved by local people and by the environment."

During his last visit in February, Charles said the "tragedy" on the flood-hit Levels is that "nothing happened for so long".

Read: Prince Charles visits cut-off village in Somerset