It sounds like something from a horror film.
But a new report has warned that up to eight million properties in towns and cities across England could be plunged underwater by 2050.
By the middle of the century, 3.2 million properties will be exposed to coastal and river flooding caused by heavy rainfall, storm surges, and high tides, according to Aviva.
Meanwhile, 6.1 million properties around the country could be devastated by flash floods – with millions of unfortunate Britons threatened by both types of flooding.
This is dire news for people in the UK’s worst–affected constituency, Bermondsey and Old Southwark, where a staggering 90 per cent of homes are expected to be underwater by 2050.
Jason Storah, CEO of UK & Ireland General Insurance at Aviva, says: ‘The findings are stark.
‘Millions more properties could be at risk from flooding, with rising temperatures, increased urbanisation and inadequate drainage exacerbating the risks in future.’
So, is your hometown in the firing line? Use our interactive map below to find out.
It sounds like something from a horror film. But a new report has revealed how up to eight million properties in towns and cities across England could be plunged underwater by 2050. Pictured: Pulborough in West Sussex, flooded in March this year
As climate change continues to warm the planet, flooding will become more frequent and more severe – especially on the coast and near rivers.
Aviva predicts that the number of properties in England at risk of coastal and river flooding will increase by over 25 per cent between now and 2050, rising from 6.3 million to eight million – putting one in four homes at risk.
That means the majority of properties in some constituencies could be underwater by the midpoint of the century.
That is bad news for people in Boston and Skegness, where Aviva predicts 89.9 per cent of properties will be at risk of flooding by 2050.
Likewise, in Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham, and Kingston upon Hull East, more than 80 per cent of properties could be flooded.
While some towns are already used to the dangers of flooding, in the future, other areas that were once high and dry will need to get used to regular deluges.
For example, people in Bedford should be prepared for more regular flooding as the number of at–risk properties balloons by over 200 per cent over the next 25 years.
Aviva also predicts there will be a sharp increase in the number of properties that could be hit by devastating flash floods caused by periods of intense rainfall.
Research conducted by Aviva, a major property insurer, found that there would be massive increases in river and coastal flood risk as climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events
This is particularly worrying since these floods will hit areas that have not had to deal with flooding in the past.
As a consequence, 83 per cent of properties at risk of surface flooding are unprotected.
In eight constituencies, more than half of all properties will be at risk of surface water flooding by the year 2050.
The situation is especially bleak for residents of Kensington and Bayswater, where 44,439 homes could be swept away by flash floods – 73.7 per cent of all properties in the area.
People living in Vauxhall and Camberwell Green will not fare much better, with 70.5 per cent of properties expected to be at risk of flooding.
Aviva’s research found that urban areas will be particularly at risk as hard surfaces, like pavements and roads, prevent rainwater from draining.
All of the 10 constituencies with the highest proportion of properties at risk of surface water flooding by 2050 are within Greater London.
Mr Storah says: ‘A changing climate is already impacting us and, in future, it is likely we will need to learn to live with extreme weather. Adapting our properties and infrastructure is key.’
Between 2040 and 2060, the number of properties put at risk by flash floods is expected to hit 6.1 million. Most of the worst–affected areas are located in London
Surface water flooding risks will also increase, especially in urban environments such as London, where hard surfaces prevent water from draining away. Pictured: Flooding in Queen’s Park, London in 2022
Although climate change is undeniably making these risks more severe, Aviva’s report also points to poor planning as a source of England’s massive flooding risks.
Over the last 10 years, 111,000 new homes were built in the highest risk flood zones – equivalent to one in 13 new homes.
If this trend continues, Aviva predicts that 115,000 of the Government’s planned 1.5 million new homes would also be built in the highest risk areas.
At the same time, critical flood protection assets in many areas are ageing and in poor condition.
Aviva’s report warns that, without accelerated investment and long–term planning, the scale and severity of flood damage are likely to increase.
Mr Storah concludes: ‘To make the UK climate–ready, we are calling for urgent, collective action to be taken to ensure we can mitigate the risks we will all face.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .