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The government has warned that there will be no retaliation. climate crisisIt is exacerbating floodThere are many risks in the country, so it is important to be prepared. floodingGet ready for what could be a particularly cold winter.
The Met Office has warned there is an “above average” likelihood of the coming winter being wetter than normal over December, January and February.
The Environment Agency said a new analysis of attitudes to flood risk revealed two-thirds of people in flood-risk areas don’t believe it will happen to them.
According to the agency, their research shows that 30 percent of residents in these areas have not taken action to prepare for flooding. This leaves 1.5 million households at high risk of severe impacts if their homes are inundated.
The government released the analysis Monday to mark the beginning of Flood Action Week. The Environment Agency urges people to check their flood risk online, sign up for flood warningsIf they are at high risk, to know what to do if flooding hits.
The government said the construction and repair of flood defences has continued throughout the year as part of a £5.2bn programme which aims to better protect 336,000 properties.
They warned, however, that they could not stop all flooding.
Caroline Douglass, executive director of flooding at the Environment Agency, said: “Now is the time for us all to be vigilant, not complacent, about flooding.
“Our previous investment programme protected 314,000 properties from flooding. Our flood defences have helped to protect nearly 200,000 properties during flooding incidents since 2019, and we’re investing millions into building new schemes and making repairs to keep communities safe.
“Yet we can’t prevent all flooding – climate change is only increasing that risk – and today’s figures show that while some people are prepared, many are not.”
The agency said those at risk are encouraged to follow the advice to “Prepare. Act. Survive.”
“If there is a flood alert – prepare by packing medicines and insurance and other important documents and visit the flood warning information service,” the Environment Agency said in a statement.
“If there is a flood warning, act by moving family, pets and belongings to safety. Turn off electricity, gas, and water. If there is a severe flood warning – survive immediate danger by following the advice of emergency services or calling 999 if needed.”
The warning comes several hours later insurers raised concernsAbout the government’s rubber stamping of the construction of thousands more homes in flood-prone areas.
According to a report commissioned from LV= General Insurance, more than 5,000 properties have been approved for construction in areas at greater risk in England.
It was discovered that 200 planning permits were granted for 5,283 new houses in local authorities where more than 10% of homes are at risk of flooding.
Speaking about the potential for wet weather ahead, Will Lang, head of civil contingencies at the Met Office, said: “Winters in the UK usually include a wide variety of weather and this winter looks to be no exception. However, there are indications that this winter could prove wetter than usual when you consider the global factors that influence weather in the UK.
“Although these wetter conditions are most likely in January and February next year, details will become clearer nearer the time and information can be found on the forecast pages of our website.”
Experts recommend that you exercise caution on roads during floods. A car can be floated by only 30cm of water.
Tony Rich, from the AA, said: “Roads can quickly become impassable during very heavy rainfall, so you should allow plenty of time for journeys. It’s also important to leave twice as much space between you and the car in front to allow for greater stopping distances.
“Drivers should take extra care where roads dip, for example under bridges, as these areas are more likely to flood.
“Flood water can be deceptively deep, and it doesn’t take much for water to get sucked into your engine. It can also mask other hazards in the road, such as displaced manhole covers, so if in doubt turn around and find another route.”
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