Flood risk averted

Its remarkable to realise that last weeks storm surge down the North Sea was 2ft higher than the devastating floods that occurred in 1953. The fact that only a few people were affected and that there was no major loss of life is a real tribute to the progress made with flood defences over the last 50 years. 

Unlike 1953 when many people had no warning this time there was extensive news coverage for several days in advance and the excellent warnings issued by the Environment Agency. But warnings don't stop flooding, the real key is of course having adequate flood defences. Here the fact that the defences coped with levels higher than those of 1953 is a testament to their design. 

But what of the future? The predictions of the impact of climate change on sea water levels are uncertain although everyone is convinced they will increase. Its also clear the weather is getting more variable and extreme. With a quarter of the Anglian Water region being below sea level the only option is to continue strengthening the sea defences. The temptation for politicians is to put off the investment. Last weeks flood shows there is no room for complacency.