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01/11/2011
UK Better Prepared For Flooding
England and Wales are now better prepared than ever to respond to major flooding, says an independent report published today.
The report issued by the Department for Regional Development, surveyed 10,000 people for Britain’s biggest civil emergency exercise, Exercise Watermark, last March to test the country’s response to floods.
The Exercise Watermark report published shows that emergency services in areas at risk of flooding are well prepared to keep people safe in a major flood.
Defra said it had awarded £2.5 million in grants to improve emergency responses to floods in the last eighteen months. These are being used to triple the number of boat rescue teams, by April 2012 provide specialist flood rescue training for emergency responders, including local flood rescue volunteers in flood-risk areas and
provide new equipment such as vehicles, outboard motors and diving equipment.
Flooding Minister, Richard Benyon said: “We are more prepared than ever to protect peoples’ lives, homes and businesses from the devastating effects of floods. Staging Exercise Watermark was a true test of how we react to flooding and keep people safe and, while there are lessons to be learnt, I’m pleased to say, it is a test we all came through.
“The Government has given £2.5 million to councils and emergency services over the last eighteen months to increase the number of expert flood rescue teams and allow them to buy important equipment. As a result, they are more prepared than ever before to keep people safe when the time comes that they need to act.”
The Exercise Watermark report said communities that took part felt more informed about the risk of flooding since the exercise and many are now better prepared as a result.
Defra said the government was already working with communities and local authorities to take forward 36 of the report’s recommendations to further improve flood response and emergency arrangements in England and Wales.
Environment Agency Chairman, Lord Chris Smith said: “As a result of this exercise England and Wales is better prepared for flooding, and the lessons learned will help to protect lives and homes in the future.
“One in six properties in England and Wales is at risk of flooding. Making sure we are prepared to respond quickly in an emergency is vital in reducing the risks to people and their homes."
(DW)
The report issued by the Department for Regional Development, surveyed 10,000 people for Britain’s biggest civil emergency exercise, Exercise Watermark, last March to test the country’s response to floods.
The Exercise Watermark report published shows that emergency services in areas at risk of flooding are well prepared to keep people safe in a major flood.
Defra said it had awarded £2.5 million in grants to improve emergency responses to floods in the last eighteen months. These are being used to triple the number of boat rescue teams, by April 2012 provide specialist flood rescue training for emergency responders, including local flood rescue volunteers in flood-risk areas and
provide new equipment such as vehicles, outboard motors and diving equipment.
Flooding Minister, Richard Benyon said: “We are more prepared than ever to protect peoples’ lives, homes and businesses from the devastating effects of floods. Staging Exercise Watermark was a true test of how we react to flooding and keep people safe and, while there are lessons to be learnt, I’m pleased to say, it is a test we all came through.
“The Government has given £2.5 million to councils and emergency services over the last eighteen months to increase the number of expert flood rescue teams and allow them to buy important equipment. As a result, they are more prepared than ever before to keep people safe when the time comes that they need to act.”
The Exercise Watermark report said communities that took part felt more informed about the risk of flooding since the exercise and many are now better prepared as a result.
Defra said the government was already working with communities and local authorities to take forward 36 of the report’s recommendations to further improve flood response and emergency arrangements in England and Wales.
Environment Agency Chairman, Lord Chris Smith said: “As a result of this exercise England and Wales is better prepared for flooding, and the lessons learned will help to protect lives and homes in the future.
“One in six properties in England and Wales is at risk of flooding. Making sure we are prepared to respond quickly in an emergency is vital in reducing the risks to people and their homes."
(DW)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
