Flooding
With the changing climate, floods are becoming more common throughout the UK. This section outlines the risk to London, what is being done to prevent floods and what you can do as an individual to stay safe and prevent flood damage.
Click on the links below to get some answers to key questions about flooding in London:
- What is the risk of flooding?
- What impact does flooding have on London?
- What is being done to prevent floods?
- What should I do if a flood happens?
- Useful resources
- Find out more
What is the risk of flooding?
London is vulnerable to three types of flooding:
- Floodplains overcome by river water.
- Local flooding when the drainage network is overwhelmed by intense rain storms - London’s Victorian system, can be easily overloaded in heavy rain.
- Tidal surges in the Thames.
What impact does flooding have on London?
London is exposed to far greater potential damage from flooding than any other urban area in the UK – due to the value of its assets and the fact that a significant proportion of London lies within the floodplain of the River Thames and its tributaries. Flooding could result in damage to buildings and property as well as disrupting London’s transport network.
What is being done to prevent floods?
While you can never prevent flooding entirely, there are organisations and strategies to protect against floods:
- The Thames Barrier, which is a system of river gates, protects the city against tidal surges in the North Sea.
- The Environment Agency has an important role in warning people about the risk of flooding, and in reducing the likelihood of flooding from rivers and the sea.
- The emergency services are also trained to work with the Environment Agency if there is a flood.
Floods are more likely now due to climate change, so strategies for preventing them are linked with plans for global warming, so take a look at London Climate Change website for more information.
What should I do if a flood happens?
The advice from the Environment Agency if a flood does happen is:
- Put people before property.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies when flood water is about to enter your home if safe to do so. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.
- Gather essential items together either upstairs or in a high place.
- Cooperate with the emergency services if they tell you to evacuate during flooding.
- Be prepared to act quickly to get yourself to safety.
- Flood water can rise quickly, stay calm and reassure those around you. Call 999 if you are in danger.
- Keep listening to local radio for updates or call Floodline 0845 988 1188.