England’s flood defences are in a dire state, with more than 4,000 vital assets significantly damaged or nearing uselessness. Nearly 800 critical assets, defined as those where there is a high risk to life and property, were in a “poor” or “very poor” condition in the 10 English counties worst affected by Storm Babet. The analysis has added fuel to the growing anger from flood-hit communities who have accused the authorities of being ill-equipped and complacent in the run-up to the storm.
The country is bracing for yet more heavy rain and flooding this week ahead of the arrival of Storm Ciarán, which is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain. Parts of Britain faced further severe downpours at the weekend, hampering the recovery from the devastating floods that left at least seven people dead, hundreds homeless, and scores of properties damaged. Flood-hit communities are demanding a review of the protections in place, citing the Conservatives’ “sticking-plaster approach to flooding” as the reason for the devastating damage.
The UK is facing the increasing likelihood of extreme weather events due to climate breakdown, which has caused food shortages and price increases. An analysis of Environment Agency data showed that 4,204 of England’s most important flood defences were in a poor or very poor condition in 2022, accounting for about one in 15 of the total. Across the country, 856 were judged very poor, rendering them ineffective, while 3,348 were in poor condition, significantly reducing their performance.
Effects of Storm CiaránIn the 10 English counties worst affected by Storm Babet, 646 were in a poor condition and 135 were judged to be very poor. The Environment Agency, which owns and maintains more than half of the flood defences in England, reported that inspections from the latest financial year showed an improvement, but 1,766 flood defences still remained in poor or very poor condition.
Experts warn that more is being done to address the issue, with the government investing £5.2bn between 2021 and 2027 to protect properties from flooding. However, critics argue that the investment is insufficient and that the government has failed to tackle the climate crisis. Greenpeace UK’s senior climate campaigner, Paul Morozzo, said, “Our crumbling flood defences are a symbolic and literal demonstration of the government’s failure to tackle the climate crisis. Without bold action to cut emissions as fast as possible, extreme storms and flooding will become more common and more intense.”
As the country prepares for yet more heavy rain and flooding, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will take adequate action to address the concerns of flood-hit communities.