The UK Environment Agency is emphasizing the need for public preparedness for potential flooding as the nation observes 'Flood Action Week' from October 14 to 20. This year's initiative marks the one-year anniversary of Storm Babet, which resulted in significant flooding across the country.
According to the Met Office, Storm Babet recorded the third wettest three-day period in England and Wales since 1891. During this storm, nearly 96,900 properties received protection from the Environment Agency, although approximately 2,150 properties were still flooded.
This autumn has already seen instances of flooding, following a record wet 18 months in England leading up to February 2024. Last month, heavy rainfall triggered the first major flooding incident of the season, affecting nearly a thousand properties.
Flood Action Week aims to educate the public on simple measures to mitigate the impact of floods on homes and businesses, with around 5.5 million properties in England at risk. Recent surveys indicate that nearly half the population is unaware of how to access local flood risk information, underscoring the campaign's significance.
Caroline Douglass, Executive Director of Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, stated, 'We can't always predict where the rain will fall or where flooding will occur, but we do know which areas are at risk. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to check their flood risk and enroll in flood warning systems during this week.'
Douglass further highlighted the importance of early preparation, noting that proactive measures can significantly enhance individual readiness against flooding. Floods Minister Emma Hardy added that the government is intensifying efforts through the newly established Floods Resilience Taskforce to improve flood defenses and enhance national resilience to extreme weather.
While the Environment Agency continues its work to support communities in becoming more resilient to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels, officials acknowledge that it is impossible to eliminate all flood impacts. This week, the call for proactive engagement in flood risk management is paramount.