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New alert centre to improve response to flooding

floodEnvironment Secretary Hilary Benn today announced a new £7.7 million flood forecasting centre to help protect people and businesses from flooding.

The centre, run by the Met Office and Environment Agency, will improve the country’s ability to predict and respond to flooding by providing a single national forecasting and alert service.

The centre is part of the Government’s action plan in response to Sir Michael Pitt’s review of the 2007 summer floods, which recommended that a better warning system was needed in the event of flooding.

Hilary Benn said:

“In a flood, preparation and speed of response are crucial. A joint national flood forecasting and alert service will help by providing timely warnings and ensure we get the right help to the people who need it most in the shortest possible time.”

Mr Benn also announced funding to help local authorities co-ordinate and lead flood management locally; to help people to protect their homes through installing flood protection measures; and to improve water rescue. Local Resilience Forums will also be funded to prepare emergency plans in case of reservoir dam failure, and the Environment Agency will receive extra funding in its new role as the organisation with overall responsibility for flooding.

Further information

Page published: 17 December 2008