UK launches flood taskforce ahead of stormy winter weather

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 08:24 · Archive

The government has launched a taskforce to prepare for potential winter flooding after warnings of increased storm risk.

The government has launched a new flood and drought resilience taskforce to prepare the UK for extreme winter weather. The Met Office has warned of a 'heightened potential' for wet, windy, stormy conditions in the coming months, partly due to the El Niño weather event.

The Environment Agency has warned that approximately 6.3 million homes and businesses in England remain at risk of flooding. While flooding is not guaranteed, the odds of repeated storms, prolonged rain and saturated catchments are higher than average this winter. The agency has urged households to check their flood risk, sign up to alerts and develop a flood plan.

Defra Minister Emma Hardy will host the taskforce's first meeting on Wednesday, bringing together the Met Office, Environment Agency and mayoral authorities alongside representatives from the farming, water and insurance industries. Hardy said the approach would 'put communities and businesses at the heart of our work' and ensure the UK is ready for whatever weather comes. The government has committed at least £10.5 billion until 2036 to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure from flooding.

How it is being reported

• Flood and drought taskforce to convene ahead of potential extreme winter weatherThe group aims to strengthen the UK’s resilience.Evening Standard · 11 Oct, 08:03
• UK launch flood taskforce to prepare for extreme winter weatherThe Environment Agency has warned approximately 6.3 million homes and businesses in England remain at risk of flooding.BBC News · 11 Oct, 01:44

In this story: UK · England · Environment Agency · Met Office · Emma Hardy · Defra

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