The weather is always changing. Climate scientists have predicted that the world will become wetter and wilder, and recently, the UK has experienced record rainfall and extreme floods. Thousands of lives have been affected by businesses and people’s livelihoods being swept away along with the water. Floods have caused severe damage in the UK in recent years, including in 2007, 2013-2014 and last summer. In 2007, 55,000 homes and businesses were affected by flooding. That winter was the wettest on record for the UK, and we had the most ever rain between November 2015 and January 2016. Flash floods damaged homes in London in July this year after torrential rainfall. In July this year thousands of Londoners suffered devastating impacts by flash floods that were caused by unpredicted torrential rainfall. Average rainfall in the UK has increased steadily over the past 40 years, according to a recent report. The study, conducted by scientists at the University of East Anglia, found that average rainfall has increased by 7% and sea levels have risen by 1.6cm in that time period. These figures mask extreme results, however—the intense rainfall and storms that are way above the average cause much more damage than average rainfall alone. The researchers predict that flooding in the UK could increase by an average of 15-35% by 2080 if no action is taken to curb climate change.
The flood defenses of London are up to the job?
London is vulnerable to flooding from many sources, including surface water from excess rainwater, river and tidal flooding and sewer and groundwater flooding. Surface water flooding generally occurs after heavy rainfall in urban areas, when water cannot drain away or soak into the ground. River flooding happens when the river cannot manage the amount of water that is entering it; it often occurs after periods of heavy rain. Tidal flooding occurs when there is an extremely high tide.
The Thames Barrier is the biggest defence that London has against flooding. It spans 520 metres across the River Thames and protects 125 square kilometres of central London from tidal surges. It has 10 steel gates, each as high as a five-storey building. Concrete and earth bank defenses, as well as dams and reservoirs, can be found in areas of London likely to flood. The Thames is protected by nine tidal surge barriers and more than 400km of raised flood defenses along the river and its tributaries. There are also access points protected by flood gates. London has a number of flood defences in place, including concrete and earth bank defences, as well as raised flood defences along the Thames and its tributaries. There are also additional defences around the Thames, including nine tidal surge barriers and flood gates where rivers meet canals.
Here are some tips to help you protect your home from floods.
As of 2016, over 5.2 million homes and properties in England were at risk of flooding. These numbers will likely rise. A report published in 2021 indicated that 200,000 London homes and workplaces were at medium or high risk of surface water floods. If you live in an area where flooding is a possibility, take steps to protect your home. Make sure that your basement is properly sealed and waterproofed. If you have a basement, call in professionals and make sure it’s protected and waterproofed. Consider waterproofing your exterior walls. You can also take any number of other steps to protect your home from flooding. It’s important to seal cracks in your home’s foundation and coat or seal other areas of the house to prevent water damage. You can also install foundation vents and sump pumps to protect against flooding. Electrical outlets and switches should be raised at least one foot above flood level, as well as any pipes entering your home. Check valves should be installed on all of these pipes to prevent a flooded sewage system from backing up into your home. Because they provide a better seal against flood pressure, gate valves are generally used in areas where there is a threat from high water.
