Flooding article

Amid a season of peace to all, it is clear that even the most comforting
and soothing attributes of the winter season are not currently extended
to all British people. Storm Frank has taken its toll on the nation,
wrecking communities and causing disparities which contrast with the
usual warmth felt by many in this festive period. Those in Southern
Scotland and Northern England have been forced to evacuate and close
small businesses, Welsh residents have seen losses of power, and the
Northern Irish impact has threatened roads and rail services. Dumfries
alone has seen riverbanks burst, and as much as 120mm of rainfall in
one day. The impact of climate change is undeniably becoming more
apparent, and this age of natural disaster must provoke changes in the
way we relieve our populations and prevent the next environmental
catastrophes.
Several years ago, there were obvious opportunities to learn from previous flood
disasters in Britain. 2007 saw approximately 6 billion worth of Southern English
property destroyed, atrocities which provoked Sir William Pitts study of British
flood responses. Pitts report emphasised the nave outlook British governments
had on dealing with mass water damage, highlighting the need for investment in
new interception techniques and a detailed flood action plan. But recent
developments simply lack physical and political strength, and many Pitt Report
recommendations have been ignored.
The question which remains afloat in the flooding aftermath is over ways in
which Britain can better respond to similar episodes in the future. Whilst
numerous changes have been made, this months catastrophe has proven that
Britain remains incapable. Cabinet sub-committees with flood responsibility have
been set up and legislation in both Westminster and Holyrood has been passed
to reduce flood risks.
In Dumfries and Galloway, one of Britains most affected regions, Council Chief
Gavin Stevenson emphasised the extent of the far and wide flood damage.
Dumfries and Galloway Councils CEO went further to explain that whilst financial
aid can help flooded-out settlements, strong links and uncompromised cohesion
between communities is key. Social researcher Kim Chang found that during
flood disparity within Northern England in 2009 strong links between one another
in communities were common in harmed areas. Seamless connections between
civilians, emergency services, charities, churches, the NHS and our governments
must exist for a smooth transmission of aid during environmental crises, and
In order to keep Britain buoyant in the future, both in mindset and in terms of
flood resistance, it is clear also that more provision must be made for
communities at risk. The Conservative governments crippling cuts over recent
years have already proven to be detrimental to many public institutions, and the
UKs flood preventions have suffered no less. The Guardian reported in December
that the amount of money put towards flood resistance had decreased by 10%
between 2010-2011 and 2014. In addition, criticism of the Scottish Government,
with the power to regulate over flood control, has been voiced. A report by the
Institution of Civil Engineers allocated a C grade to the SNP government for
flood policy. In the Westminster parliament, Chancellor George Osborne has

already promised 400m for flood defence in England alone, but many experts
doubt that English and Scottish allocations will suffice.
The World Resources Institute indicated in a recent study that the flood risk not
just nationwide but worldwide could have increased almost three-fold by 2030.
Governments are sure to be alarmed by these revelations, and solid prevention
plans and increased spending seem absolutely necessary. Further to this, the
Institute also revealed that whilst current flood costs amount to around 65
billion, governments of 2030 could expect a bill of as much as 340 billion. The
only way leaders will survive this new environmental age is by rigorous planning
and investing in safeguarding communities. Watching as preventable disasters
threaten livelihoods in a supposed developed nation cannot become a
convention.
In an international context, and as the Pitt Report stresses, the Tories cumulative
400m to be spent on English natural disasters is markedly less than
neighbouring states provision on a grander scale. 2002 brought devastating
flooding across Europe, resulting in fatalities and chaos in Austria, Germany and
the Czech Republic amongst other states. The central German region of Saxony
became one of the worst hit areas, prompting a governmental rethink in flood
prevention. As a result, waterways were reconstructed and revamped, plans for
every eventuality were outlined, and a substantial 1.3 billion was allocated,
aimed at solving this ever-prominent social problem. Saxonys neighbours have
in fact blamed the region itself, with more advanced prevention systems, for
increased environmental damage, showing that an increase in spending and
planning is having a positive impact.
After countless cases of devastation caused by recent flooding, it is time that our
governments on both local and national levels focus on spending and cohesion to
better deal with natural disasters. As the global temperature rises alongside sea
levels, climate change is becoming an inexorable issue. Atrocities at home and
abroad show that our leaders policy direction must change. Ensuring the safety
of populations and communities can only come with more investment in flood
defences and research. As experts predict flooding in more developing nations
such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Cambodia with lower GDP, international
cooperation is paramount.
With an enormous environmental strategy to develop, the need for which
reinstated by flooded out Britain, we cannot wilfully watch our communities
crumble. Fresh funding is urgently needed, along with unified citizens and
services. Until both governments across the nation invest in new methods of
protection and react to alarming research, the mood in hard-hit communities will
continue to dampen. No longer can we watch our people suffer as easy targets
for the tribulations of changing climates. Storm Frank, with its seemingly
harmless and cosy name, has appeared starkly different underneath its clouds.