One in 5 properties in England now at risk of flooding

AFP | London
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The Environment Agency has warned that 6.3 million homes and businesses in the UK are now located in areas at risk of flooding, marking a 15% increase from the 2018 assessment. This rise is based on new models incorporating localized data and updated climate change projections.

The total number of properties at risk from rivers, the sea, or surface water could climb to around 8 million by the mid-21st century—equivalent to one in four properties—according to the agency tasked with flood management.

These updated models were released as the country grapples with the aftermath of deadly storms Bert and Darragh. The predictions utilize advanced methods that include detailed local data, such as new developments, and incorporate the latest UK climate projections from the Met Office for the first time.

The data highlights that around 4.6 million properties are at risk of flash flooding caused by rainwater overwhelming drainage systems—a 43% increase since the last assessment. The Environment Agency attributed these changes largely to significant advancements in data, modeling, and technology.

Additionally, approximately 2.4 million properties are located in areas at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. The updated assessment also indicated that 3,500 properties face risks of coastal erosion by 2055, a figure projected to rise to 10,100 by the end of the century.

The updated risk information is expected to help the government, the Environment Agency, and local communities improve flood resilience planning.

“More detailed flood and coastal risk information, which takes climate change into account, is essential for local authorities to plan effectively and protect their local communities,” said Hannah Bartram from the Association of Directors for Environment, Planning and Transport.

Scientists have warned that rising global temperatures will lead to more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as heatwaves, flooding, droughts, and wildfires.