Commenting on updated data and maps published today [Thursday 12 December 2013] by the Environment Agency, which estimates that three million homes across Britain are threatened by surface water flooding (when intense rainfall overwhelms drainage systems), Friends of the Earth Climate Campaigner Guy Shrubsole said: “Millions of homes across the UK are under threat from surface water flooding – and with scientists predicting more extreme rainfall as climate change takes hold, this number is set to rise.
“In the light of all the scientific evidence it is astonishing that the Environment Secretary’s new flood insurance scheme fails to factor in risks from both surface water flooding and future climate change.
“MPs must take action by insisting that the Government fixes its flawed insurance scheme, invests properly in flood defences and does more to cut carbon emissions.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. New maps to help prepare for flooding | Environment Agency press release.
2. According to the EA, around 5 million properties are at risk of flooding in England, 2.4 million from rivers and sea and 3 million properties from surface water flooding. Some properties are at risk from both types of flooding.
For press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
