One in four places in England will be at risk of flooding by 2050 because global warminga new report has warned.
The Environment Agency (EA) has found that the risk of flooding in England is much higher than previously thought, with 6.3 million properties currently at risk.
New data shows that 4.6 million homes and businesses are currently at risk of surface flooding from the rain.
London is the most affected area, with more than 300,000 properties already at risk of flooding.
However, EA has included its initial analysis to take into account the warm weather.
Worryingly, this indicates that as many as 8 million homes and businesses will be at risk of flooding in the next 25 years.
A new report is coming later Cyclone Daragh caused flooding which caused property damage and disruption, which left five people dead and thousands without power.
Alison Dilworth, campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said: ‘This report is yet another stark warning about the dangers of climate change to people, homes and communities across the country.’
After Storm Darragh left thousands without power, the Environment Agency is now warning that one in four homes could be at risk of flooding by 2050.
The Environment Agency expects the risk of flooding to increase globally as a result of climate change. This map shows the number of properties in areas that are at high risk of flooding from land
The EA classifies flood hazards into three categories: flooding of lakes, rivers, and runoff from undischarged rainwater.
Of these, global flooding puts many resources at risk, defined by the EA as a one in 1,000 chance of flooding.
The risk of flooding is higher than it has been since 2018 but this is mainly due to better forecasting techniques rather than increased risk.
However, in a worrying finding, the EA report found that more than 184,000 vulnerable properties are now likely to experience inundation of 30cm or more in the event of a flood.
At this depth, floodwaters can be strong enough to move vehicles, causing significant property damage and disruption.
As the report states, these risks will increase as climate change brings more rainy months.
While warmer weather can make some areas drier, warmer air can hold more water, resulting in more rain.
Previous research has shown that the number of windy days in the UK increased by 20 per cent between October 2023 and March 2024.
There are currently more than 6 million properties in England at risk of flooding. This includes 2.4 million places that are vulnerable to flooding from rivers or lakes that lead to deep water. Image: The River Severn breaching its banks in Bewdley, Worcestershire, following Storm Darragh
Rising sea levels can increase the risk of flooding. Previous research has shown that large areas of Britain’s coastline are at risk of being submerged by 2100. This map shows areas where the annual cost of flood damage (left) is expected to rise over the next 80 years (right).
Similarly, the new EA analysis shows the risk of flooding of rivers and lakes.
The report estimates that 2.4 million places are at risk of flooding from rivers or lakes – down slightly from the 2.6 million estimated in 2018.
However, the number of properties in the high-risk category, with a one in 30 chance of flooding in a given year, has increased by 88 percent, likely due to better data and modeling.
The report found that 367,900 homes and businesses are located in areas at high risk of flooding.
Of those, more than half are in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the South East.
Worryingly, if these areas do experience flooding, the EA predicts that 163,000 will see flooding of 30cm or more.
Similar to the risk of surface flooding, the number of threats to lakes and rivers is expected to increase due to climate change.
By the middle of the 20th century, the EA estimates that 3.1 million homes and businesses will be at risk of flooding.
The Environment Agency now estimates that 3.1 million homes and businesses are at risk of flooding by sea or river by 2050. Previous studies show that this will cost the UK billions of pounds.
The Environment Agency says rising sea levels and extreme storms caused by climate change mean more than 100,000 homes will be at risk of being destroyed by coastal erosion by the end of this century. Image: Storm Darragh hits the coast of Cornwall
By 2105, the EA estimates that 35 per cent of coastal areas in the east of England and Yorkshire and the Humber will be at risk from coastal erosion.
Since 1990, average sea levels around the UK coast have already risen by around 20cm.
Recent studies show that the damage caused by floods is expected to increase and more than 25 percent if there is no solution to climate change and sea level rise.
Parts of south-east and north-west England, south Wales and central Scotland are expected to be particularly affected as flood defenses are breached.
Likewise, rising sea levels and stronger storms will affect coastal erosion – putting many homes at risk.
The EA assessment includes the first national assessment of coastal erosion since 2017.
It found that the number of homes at risk of being lost to the sea will rise to 3,500 by 2050, doubling to 10,100 by the end of the century.
Julie Foley, director of flood risk at the EA, says: ‘We have spent the last few years evolving our understanding of flood and erosion risk in England, based on information available from the Environment Agency and local authorities, as well as. such as quality control and technological progress.
‘Providing the best available national information on the risk of flooding and coastal erosion is essential to ensure that policymakers, practitioners and communities are prepared to adapt to flooding and sea level change.’
