Floods caused 'problems' at GCHQ

The area around GCHQ was badly flooded in the summer

The Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) experienced major disruption as a result of the floods in Gloucestershire in 2007, a report said.

The Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee report said the "unprecedented conditions" caused "severe problems" for the agency.

The committee said that it would now be reviewing "business continuity" at the Cheltenham-based campus.

Staff were commended for maintaining operations during the crisis.

'Significant disruption'

GCHQ plays a major role in counter-terrorism operations, supplying vital information from electronic intercepts to Britain's security service, MI5.

At the time officials minimised the disruption caused by the floods.

Although GCHQ is powered by the Walham electricity sub-station - which came within just two inches of flooding - officials said it would have been able to carry on by using back-up generators.

"The summer floods in the Gloucestershire region caused significant disruption to GCHQ and its staff," the committee said in its annual report.

"Despite some serious problems in unprecedented conditions, GCHQ was able to maintain its most important operations.

"We commend management and staff for the tenacity and dedication they demonstrated during such a difficult period."

Last summer heavy downpours gave rise to widespread flooding in the region.

Britain experienced the wettest May to July since 1766 when reliable records began.