"There has been, over the last few years, some specific planning for the possibility of a significant hurricane in New Orleans with a lot of rainfall, with water rising in the levees and water overflowing the levees, " he told reporters Saturday.

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At Wheal Jane, the extra pump is part of efforts to help stop water from the mine overflowing and polluting the Carnon valley.

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Reservoirs have been reported as being 100% full in the South West Water area, meaning excess water cannot be channelled into them from overflowing rivers.

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Elsewhere, an extra pump has been brought in to help stop water from the old Wheal Jane tin mine overflowing.

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At The Haycock Hotel at Wansford its cellar flooded after water seeped through the soil from the nearby overflowing river.

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Observe the flooded plains, covered by water driven ashore by sustained winds, and the rivers overflowing their banks.

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