Storm Desmond floods were most extreme in 600 years according to study
A new study has found that flooding caused by Storm Desmond in 2015 was the most extreme in 600 years.
The research looked into lake sediments, which are deposits that settle at the bottom of water.
In 2015, large parts of Cumbria were left under water following the storm after the surrounding rivers overflowed, flooding thousands of homes and businesses.
Samples were taken from Bassenthwaite Lake, which saw severe flooding in 2005, 2009 and 2015.
Storm Desmond brought a record-breaking 24 hours of rainfall measured at :
A challenge that faces flood hazard managers and the insurance industry is to accurately identify the extent of flood risks to develop sufficient protection.
Storm Desmond damage cost an estimated £1.6 billion according to the Environment Agency.