More than 6.3 million homes in England are now at risk of flooding due to rising threats from rivers, the sea, and surface water, according to a new study by the Environment Agency. Alarmingly, this figure could increase to 8 million homes — equivalent to one in four properties — by 2050 under current climate projections.
The report highlights that 4.6 million properties are at risk of surface water flooding, where heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, causing sudden and dangerous flash floods. This represents a 43% increase from previous estimates. Additionally, 2.4 million homes are at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, with the number of properties at the highest flood risk levels (more significant than a 1 in 30 chance of flooding annually) surging by 88%.
Recent extreme weather, like Storm Darragh, showcased the devastating impact of flooding. The storm claimed two lives, left tens of thousands without power, and caused widespread flooding of homes, businesses, and transport networks.
Concerns are mounting as flood protection funding has been cut by 40% in recent years, leading to the abandonment of one in four major flood defence projects. Campaigners call on the government urgently strengthening climate adaptation plans and increasing investment in flood defences to protect vulnerable communities from worsening climate impacts. Read More
News Credit: The Guardian
Picture Credit: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters