The Environment Agency has warned people to be more aware and prepared as climate change will lead to more frequent flooding - following a pattern of severe flooding over the past 10 years, linked to an increase in extreme weather events as the country's climate changes. Records from the Met Office since 1910 show that there have been 17 record-breaking rainfall months/seasons. As 9 of these have occurred since 2000, they are becoming more frequent, with sea levels also rising because of climate change.
Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency has stated that: "Climate change is likely to mean more frequent and intense flooding. Floods destroy lives, livelihoods, and property", and that: "Checking your flood risk is the first step to protecting yourself, your loved ones and your home." Throughout the years of 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 widespread and intense flooding has been increasing in occurrence; 2012 saw 8,000 flooded homes, succeeded by 2014 to 11,000 homes, and then finally in 2015 (December declared the wettest month ever recorded) 17,000 properties reported flooding by the climate.
They announced this on the back end of launching its Flood Action Campaign on the 16 February 2018, which aims to target young people through social media and online advertising; they hope to encourage them to check their flood risk at GOV.UK, be prepared to take action when the flood hits and sign up for free warnings. Research has shown that 18 - 34 year olds are at the highest risk of fatality, as they are the least likely to perceive flood risk and personal risk in their area, and unlikely to know what to do when disaster hits.
