Introduction
Floods are the most perilously destructive natural disasters, costing billions of dollars in damage to our world’s infrastructure and irrevocable harm inflicted upon human lives. The UK has suffered the devastating effects of flooding in past years.
Towns and cities across England have been ravaged by overflowing rivers, while coastal areas have also experienced surges caused by heavy rainfall. To be better prepared for future events, people living or working in high-risk locations must understand their risk of flooding – as this can help prevent deaths and destruction from happening again.
Due to its geography – with an ocean around it on three sides – the UK’s vulnerability to floods is particularly heightened compared with other nations worldwide; after all, when river water reaches exceptionally high levels due to prolonged rain or snowmelt periods, there isn’t much else we can do but wait until they subside.
This article will give you an in-depth understanding of the risk of flooding in the UK, their causes, consequences, and strategies to minimise their impacts.
Causes of Flooding
Communities can suffer greatly from the destructive and capricious nature of floods. However, have you ever wondered what leads to these calamitous events? Let’s explore the underlying factors responsible for devastating floods and learn effective strategies to prevent them.
Heavy Rainfall
One of the primary causes of flooding in the UK is heavy rainfall, which can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to rivers bursting their banks. The UK has experienced several instances of heavy rainfall leading to flooding in recent years.
For example, according to data from the UK Met Office, the period from October 2020 to January 2021 was the fifth wettest on record for the UK since 1862, with an average of 357.2 mm of rainfall. Some areas experienced particularly heavy rainfall, with the Lake District receiving 724.8 mm of rainfall during this period, which is more than twice the UK average.
In February 2020, Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire experienced its worst flooding in decades. Heavy rainfall caused the River Calder to burst its banks and inundate homes and businesses. The town recorded 179 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours.
Overflowing Rivers
Overflowing of rivers is another cause of the risk of flooding in the UK. It is generally due to heavy rainfall, melting snow, or both. In recent years, there have been several instances of flooding caused by overflowing rivers, with some of the worst affected areas being Cumbria, Yorkshire, and Somerset.
For instance, in February 2020, Storm Ciara brought heavy rainfall to the UK, causing several rivers to overflow and leading to severe flooding in parts of England and Wales. The River Calder in West Yorkshire recorded its highest-ever level (5.40m recorded on February 9, 2020), with the Environment Agency issuing several flood warnings and evacuating residents from affected areas.
In November 2019, heavy rain brought by Storms Atiyah and Brendan caused the River Don to burst its banks in South Yorkshire, leading to significant flooding in Doncaster and other nearby areas. The river recorded its highest-ever level, with over 1,000 properties affected and several roads and bridges closed.
Snowmelt
Snowmelt is a significant cause of flooding in the UK, particularly in areas that experience heavy snowfall during the winter months. When snow accumulates on the ground, it acts as a temporary reservoir of water, which can lead to flooding when the snow melts rapidly due to warm temperatures or rainfall.
According to the report published by Environment Agency in 2018, snowmelt is responsible for many flood events in the UK, particularly upland areas. In February 2021, heavy snowfall followed by warm temperatures and rain caused flooding in parts of England and Wales, with the Environment Agency issuing flood warnings and alerts.
Another notable snowmelt-related flooding occurred in March 2018, when heavy snowfall followed by a rapid thaw caused flooding in parts of England, including Cumbria, Lancashire, and Yorkshire. The Environment Agency issued flood warnings, and several communities were left without power due to flooding-related damage.
Climate Change
As air temperatures increase, they stimulate the atmosphere to hold more moisture, leading to intensified rainfall and heightening the possibility of flooding. The rise in sea levels, caused by climate change, aggravates the potential for flooding along coastal areas. Climate change amplifies the frequency and strength of extreme weather events, including hurricanes and storms, which can cause severe flooding in impacted regions. In light of these factors, it is crucial to urgently implement mitigation and adaptation measures to minimise climate change’s impact on flooding in the UK.
Consequences of Flooding
Flooding can cause disastrous consequences, ranging from property destruction to loss of life, with lasting impacts. The effects of flooding can linger for an extended period and affect the overall well-being of a community.
Loss of Life
The aftermath of flooding in the UK brings with it a host of devastating consequences. Loss of life is perhaps the most tragic, with recent data revealing that over 11 people died in the UK in the 2019/20 flooding, and hundreds of people were injured and hospitalised.
Loss of property
Beyond the loss of human life, flooding also causes significant property loss. Floodwaters can cause extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure, leading to significant financial losses. According to “Flood and coastal erosion risk management report: 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020”, flooding in the UK led to 2,490,000 properties at risk due to flooding from rivers and seas. Meanwhile, 3,173,000 properties at risk due to flooding from surface water in 2019 only.
Health Risks
In addition to the physical damage caused by flooding, significant health risks are associated with this natural disaster. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022), floodwater can contain various harmful substances, including sewage, chemicals, and animal waste, which can cause various illnesses and infections. Bacterial, viral, and other contaminants lying dormant beneath the surface may be ingested or come into contact with skin, potentially leading to dangerous waterborne illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, leptospirosis, and tetanus.
Moreover, the emotional toll of dealing with the aftermath of a flood can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Economic Impact
Flooding has a devastating effect across multiple industries, from construction to transportation and agriculture. Roads can be blocked off, preventing people from getting to work or accessing goods and services, while crops are ravaged by water damage and soil erosion leading to lower yields as farmers struggle with long-term losses.
According to the Flood and Coastal Defence Project, the United Kingdom spends over £800 million yearly on flood and coastal defences. Yet, even with such defences, flooding still causes an average of £1,400 million worth of damage each year. The total cost of controlling flooding in the UK is about £2.2 billion annually. While the level of spending for flood management remains relatively constant, the occurrence of damage due to flooding is intermittent. It can lead to significant financial losses in a major flood.
Flood Risk Assessment
In the United Kingdom, the Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) is a necessary process that entails identifying flood-prone areas and evaluating the degree of the flood hazard. Multiple entities, such as the Environment Agency, local authorities, and water companies, carry out this assessment to determine the likelihood and potential impact of flooding in a particular region.
The UK Government has established unambiguous directives on the methodology for conducting Flood Risk Assessments. The guidelines prescribe a multi-faceted approach encompassing identifying potential flood sources, quantitatively estimating flood likelihood, and comprehensively evaluating the potential impact on human life, property, and the environment.
The guidelines further emphasize the significance of engaging stakeholders throughout the assessment process. This participatory approach guarantees that the stakeholders’ concerns, such as economic interests, social welfare, and cultural heritage, are incorporated into the decision-making process.
The flood risk assessment process, guided by the Environment Agency, consists of three steps:
- Identifying the flood hazard
- Assessing the vulnerability, and
- Evaluating the consequences
Identifying Flood Hazards
Identifying flood hazards involves a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including the probability and intensity of flooding, influenced by meteorological events such as rainfall, river flows, tides, and the topographical characteristics of a particular area.
To obtain such data, experts use advanced technologies and models, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems, which enable collecting and analyzing large datasets from various sources, providing a detailed and accurate representation of the risk of flooding. These models are designed with advanced algorithms, incorporating real-time data and historical records to predict and simulate flood patterns with high accuracy.
Assessing the Vulnerability
Assessing the vulnerability of people, buildings, and infrastructure to flooding is a complex process involving a thorough analysis of various factors.
Experts examine building design and construction materials to determine their resistance to flooding and evaluate the effectiveness of drainage systems in managing excess water. The assessment also involves the examination of emergency response plans and evaluating their capacity to manage the impacts of flooding on people, buildings, and infrastructure.
Evaluating the Consequences
The potential consequences of flooding are assessed to determine the impacts on people, property, and the environment. Using this data, experts develop detailed flood risk maps that identify areas at risk of flooding and the potential severity of such events. Emergency response plans are also developed based on this information, outlining the actions needed to mitigate the effect of flooding.
Policies of FRA and FRM in the UK
Uncover how the UK tackles the adverse effects of floods with a resilient strategy, utilizing Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and Flood Risk Management (FRM) policies.
Flood And Coastal Erosion Risk Management Policy
The Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) policy in the United Kingdom is a comprehensive and robust framework developed to tackle the challenges that result from the changing climate and increasing urbanization. This policy aims to protect human life, property, and the natural environment from the adverse impacts of floods and coastal erosion.
The development of the FCERM policy was aided by experts in flood and coastal erosion risk management who incorporated the latest research on climate change and its effects. A network of regional flood and coastal committees are responsible for implementing the policy, working collaboratively with local authorities, communities, and other stakeholders to reduce the impact of floods and coastal erosion.
The FCERM policy greatly emphasizes mitigating flooding and coastal erosion by implementing various measures such as constructing flood defenses, utilizing natural flood management techniques, and optimizing spatial planning strategies. Additionally, the policy highlights the significance of enhancing the community’s resilience to potential flooding and coastal erosion events by creating and implementing emergency plans, developing efficient warning systems, and engaging with local communities.
Planning Process and Risk of Flooding
Strategic policies must be informed by a thorough flood risk assessment and consider the collective risk of flooding from all sources in local areas prone to flooding. This should involve taking advice from reputable authorities, such as Environment Agency and lead local flood authorities.
Moreover, to ensure effective flood risk management, the UK government has implemented a hierarchy prioritising natural flood management solutions in their strategic flood risks assessment guideline, such as upstream storage, habitat restoration, and sustainable drainage systems over hard-engineered structures. This approach reduces the risk of flooding, enhances biodiversity, improves water quality, and provides multiple benefits for local communities.
Besides, to reduce the impact of floods on people and property, plans must follow a sequential, risk-based approach that considers all potential sources – plus any variations brought about due to climate change in coming years.
- To manage the risk of flooding, organizations should use a combination of the sequential test and exception test to protect the land from development that is currently or projected to be affected by flooding.
- Additionally, advancing green infrastructure and natural drainage solutions can help mitigate factors leading up to flooding-related issues.
- Lastly, for areas where climate change has caused an expectation of increased flood threats over time (which may make existing settlements unsustainable), relocating these communities could ensure long-term safety in more suitable locations.
Final Thoughts
Flooding in the UK is a serious threat that can devastate lives and property. To reduce these risk of flooding, it’s essential for both the government and individuals to take action. The government should increase investment in infrastructure development and preparedness measures.
At the same time, community members must stay informed of potential dangers, create evacuation plans, gather supplies if needed, and be aware of risk reduction strategies. By making efforts to prepare well through proactive actions – we can do our best collectively to protect ourselves from floods in all their forms.
