Signal 5.5 million UK homes and businesses at flood risk; Storm Babet hit 2,100 properties

Summary

The report states that 5.5 million homes and businesses in the UK are at risk of flooding. Storm Babet in October 2023 damaged 2,100 properties. The report expects floods, heatwaves and droughts to become more frequent as warming advances, threatening lives and infrastructure. Repairs and recovery carried out without planning cost more than adapting ahead of time. Coastal erosion and more frequent flooding are also making properties harder to insure, leaving many households vulnerable. The UK has responded in part by investing 5.2 billion pounds in flood defences.