Flood Forecasting Centre Planned
The Govenment announces spending to help prevent the massive amounts of flood damage in recent years.
In what could be described as a 'closing the stable door after the horse has bolted' move the Government announced that it is to set up a flood forecasting centre at a cost of £7.7million.
This comes as part of a multimillion pound package aimed at lessening the damage caused in recent years to households across britain. Claims for flood damage have been at record levels for the past three years and many more homes are becoming at increasing risk of damage due to rising water levels.
The worst year in recent history was 2007. Following this costly natural disaster the Government ordered the Pitt Review. The review concluded that a large proportion of the flood damage could have been averted through proper preparation by local authorities and coordination of support services.
Initially government will sideline up to £15 million for councils considered at particular risk to flooding, there will further be £5 million for householders to add flood protection to their homes.
The location for the new UK Flood Forecasting Centre will be London and the Environment Agency will attempt to coordinate a nationwide strategy to minimise the risks and curtail damage to life and property in the future.
Mr Hilary Benn, the environment secretary said : "In a flood, preparation and speed of response are crucial. A joint national flood forecasting and alert service will help by providing timely warnings and ensure we get the right help to the people who need it most in the shortest possible time">
Let us hope that should we face such weather conditions again we will be better equipped to deal with it and that this is not a vote winning measure but a real flood damage prevention strategy which will keep us dry for years to come.
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