UK launch flood taskforce to prepare for extreme winter weather
The Environment Agency has warned approximately 6.3 million homes and businesses in England remain at risk of flooding.
By BBC News
A new UK taskforce will meet this week to assess preparations for possible flooding and extreme weather during the winter.
The Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce will bring together the Environment Agency, Met Office, mayoral authorities, fire and rescue services, and representatives from the farming, water and insurance industries.
Its first meeting is due to take place on Wednesday, 14 October. The group will examine the country’s readiness for potential flooding and share information on risks, preparedness and longer-term resilience.
The move follows warnings from the Met Office about a heightened potential for wetter, windier and stormier conditions in the coming months. The seasonal outlook suggests autumn could be wetter than average, with the El Niño weather event among the factors being considered.
The Environment Agency has warned that around 6.3 million homes and businesses in England remain at risk of flooding. It said flooding was not guaranteed this winter, but the chances of repeated storms, prolonged rainfall and saturated catchments were higher than average.
Defra Minister Emma Hardy said the Government was taking a joined-up approach to managing the risks of flooding and drought.
“We’re facing extreme weather, with flood and drought intertwined, but the government is taking decisive action,” she said.
The Government has committed at least £10.5 billion between 2024 and 2036 to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure from flooding.
Households and businesses in areas at risk have been urged to check their flood risk, sign up for flood warnings and make a plan for dealing with an emergency.