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Country 'ill-prepared' for floods Country 'ill-prepared' for floods
(about 1 hour later)
An independent review of flooding that damaged thousands of homes in England in the summer has concluded the country should have been better prepared. The government preparation for flooding should be on the same level as its planning for terrorism, the independent reviewer into the summer floods says.
A preliminary report, to be published later, will call on the government and Environment Agency to take urgent action to prevent a repeat. Sir Michael Pitt said the country should have been better prepared for the severe floods which damaged thousands of homes in England.
It is also expected to say the public should have acted more responsibly. His interim report urges the government to act urgently to prevent more floods.
"We're trying to raise the priority of flooding, putting it on a level somewhat similar to terrorism."
He called on the government to take a "broad, strategic role" in ensuring the review's recommendations were introduced, but also to address how it plans for flooding - which is "now such a major issue".
Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme if flooding was as serious as terrorism, Sir Michael said: "I think it is. It's obviously very different but we want the same levels of performance and reaction that we have with terrorism events."
Among 87 recommendations, the review called on the public to act more responsibly, more flood-resilient buildings, and greater leadership from local authorities.
Yorkshire, Hull and Gloucestershire, where 140,000 homes were left without water, were among the areas worst hit.Yorkshire, Hull and Gloucestershire, where 140,000 homes were left without water, were among the areas worst hit.
'Warnings ignored''Warnings ignored'
The report, led by Sir Michael Pitt, chairman of the South West Strategic Health Authority, looked at the lessons to be learnt from the floods and highlights a long list of failings. The review, led by Sir Michael, chairman of the South West Strategic Health Authority, looked at the lessons to be learnt from the floods and highlights a long list of failings.
They include:They include:
  • no national flood emergency plan
  • no national flood emergency plan
  • no clear responsibility for dealing with urban flooding
  • no clear responsibility for dealing with urban flooding
  • no systematic stockpiling of emergency equipment, such as boats.
  • no systematic stockpiling of emergency equipment, such as boats.
    According to the report, the floods in June and July led to the biggest loss of critical infrastructure since World War II.According to the report, the floods in June and July led to the biggest loss of critical infrastructure since World War II.
    It will say flooding is only likely to get worse and society needs to adapt.It will say flooding is only likely to get worse and society needs to adapt.
    "We're all facing up to climate change and there are all sorts of implications for the country in terms of having to adapt to that change," Sir Michael said.
    "As the report explains, during May, June and July this was the highest level of rainfall we've ever recorded in this country since the 18th Century, so understandably there were very high volumes of water and big implications for emergency services."
    The drainage systems were overloaded, and there needed to be an urgent review of underwater rescue attempts as there was "ambiguity" surrounding procedures.
    "That needs to be sorted out and that is one of our urgent recommendations.
    "We need to make sure that the people who are rescuing in water are properly trained and they have the right equipment," he said.
    No blame
    However, Sir Michael said: "The report does not point the finger of blame. Anyone looking for that will be disappointed.
    "What we've tried to do is look forward and be positive about what can be done in the future."
    The public must be better prepared for such events and act responsibly, it will say, as too few signed up for flood warnings and some ignored warnings they were given.The public must be better prepared for such events and act responsibly, it will say, as too few signed up for flood warnings and some ignored warnings they were given.
    Sir Michael said he was surprised at how little people were prepared for flooding, and urged them to get appropriate insurance and have an emergency kit in their houses, including such items as a radio, batteries, torch and rubber gloves.
    When it came to local responsibility, Sir Michael said local authorities should take a stronger leadership role, including mapping the drainage systems and working with the Environment Agency, local drainage boards, and water companies to get a better understanding of how drainage works.
    Although he personally wanted as little building as possibly on flood plains, Sir Michael acknowledged that with 3 million new houses planned between now and 2020 there was bound to be some construction there.
    "Where that takes place why can't we build proper resilient properties so that if they do flood they can recover very quickly," he said.
    The final report is due for publication next summer.The final report is due for publication next summer.