Stunning images of the submerged Somerset Levels - PHOTO

As beautiful as they are, these images belie the heartache suffered by people on the Somerset Levels who have found their homes, farms and businesses submerged by unprecedented amounts of rain in recent weeks.Swollen rivers are predicted to recede slowly this week, but residents have been warned their misery could continue for much longer.After the wettest January since 1766 in southern England, the Environment Agency said it could take 'weeks if not months' for it to drain away.A survey has also revealed that the flooding has cost businesses in Somerset some £1.2million in financial terms and lost productivity.Somerset Chamber of Commerce warned that the figures are 'only going to increase' as many businesses said it was too early to gauge the impact of the crisis.Meanwhile, police have also launched 24-hour boat patrols to help residents and prevent crime on the flooded Somerset Levels.Homeowners also faced a battle with insurers to make sure they received emergency payouts to help get back on their feet.Residents on the Somerset Levels said they were experiencing a mixed response from insurance companies.Gavin Sadler, of Flooding on the Levels Action Group (FLAG), has been left with up to two feet of water inside his home in Moorland.Mr Sadler and his family, currently living nearby in a holiday cottage, have been told they may not be able to move back into their home until Christmas.'From a personal point of view, our insurance company have been fantastic,' Mr Sadler said.But he said other residents on the Somerset Levels had not had such a positive experience.'They have been left hanging on the phone for ages. One lady's car is still on her drive and the insurance company say they won't do anything until the water goes down and they can come and get it.'It could be months before that happens - it depends whether the insurance company will pay for her to have a rental car until then but if not, then she's left without one.'(dailymail.co.uk)ANN.Az