UK: New Plan for Stronger Flood Defenses

Lessons learnt from last winter’s floods have helped build a new approach so the nation is better prepared and more resilient to flooding, according to the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

Improved rain and flood modelling, a significant increase in new temporary flood defenses and greater protection to infrastructure were all outlined in the government’s National Flood Resilience Review recently.

Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom set out how lessons learnt from last winter’s floods have helped build a new approach so the nation is better prepared and more resilient to flooding, now and in coming years.

“Last winter we saw just how devastating flooding can be. This review sets out clear actions so we are better prepared to respond quickly in the event of future flooding and can strengthen the nation’s flood defenses,” Leadsom said.

“Work is already underway towards £12.5 million of new temporary defenses stationed around England, better protection for our infrastructure and new flood modelling that makes better use of data and technology.”

“We are absolutely committed to reducing the risk of flooding by investing £2.5 billion up to 2021 so we can help protect families, homes and businesses this winter.”

The review includes:

• £12.5 million for new temporary defenses, such as barriers and high volume pumps, at seven strategic locations around the country. By this winter, the Environment Agency (EA) will have four times more temporary barriers than last year;
• Utility companies’ commitment to increase flood protection of their key local infrastructure, such as phone networks and water treatment works, so they are resilient to extreme flooding;
• A new stress test of the risk of flooding from rivers and the sea in England. For the first time, Met Office forecasts of extreme rainfall scenarios will be linked with Environment Agency modeling to provide a new assessment of flood risk.