Agency publishes its 'most comprehensive' flood map

The most comprehensive, up-to-date and easily accessible map of flood risk from rivers and the sea across England and Wales has been published by the Environmental Agency (EA) today.

The new flood map enables homeowners and businesses in the floodplain to see online - for the first time – not just whether their area is at risk, but whether the risk is considered to be 'low', 'moderate' or 'significant', taking into account both proximity to rivers and the coast and the presence and protection afforded by flood defences.

Today's upgrading of the online map is part of the agency's £30 million five-year mapping programme. The new map will be updated every three months as new information becomes available.

The redrawn map uses a new digital model of England and Wales combined with local surveys and expert knowledge to give the most comprehensive picture of risk available to the public. The map is more accurate than its predecessor, taking account of risks from 35% more (mainly smaller) rivers that were previously unmapped.

Agency chairman, Sir John Harman, said: “Flooding is a natural phenomenon that will become more frequent as climate change leads to more extreme weather conditions.

"There are practical steps we all must take to reduce the impact of flooding - and that starts with being better informed and using that information. Our Flood Map is the most detailed and comprehensive currently available for the whole of England and Wales and we are encouraging everyone, particularly those living and working in areas prone to flooding, to use it."

The launch of the flood map marks the start of the agency's annual awareness campaign to alert the public to the risk of flooding and help people to prepare in advance to minimise the damage.

Mary Francis, Director General of the Association of British Insurers, said that the map was a "valuable resource" for everyone involved in flood management.

(gmcg/mb)