The village where residents were stranded is near the River Parrett which burst its banks.

BBC: UK floods: Rescue boat take villagers to buy supplies

Flood water is pumped into the River Tone then carried to the River Parrett and into the sea.

BBC: Floodwater being pumped

In a meeting between the Somerset Consortium of Drainage Boards and the agency, it was agreed that de-silting sections of the river Tone and Parrett "could bring the greatest practical benefit".

BBC: Flooding on the Somerset Levels at Glastonbury