Environmental Issues - Coastal

Flooding and Climate Change
The UK climate today is becoming unpredictable leading to wetter winters, fewer frosts, warmer coastal waters, and a rise in average sea levels. These and other factors will undoubtedly impact on the emergency preparedness arrangements of local authorities put in place to deal with the consequences of climate change such as flooding and severe weather incidents.

The Tyne and Wear Emergency Planning Unit, in its work on behalf of the five Tyne and Wear local authorities, recognises the importance of planning for the increased incidence of flooding and extreme weather. Consequently the EPU has published a ‘Tyne and Wear Flood Plan’ which details the current flood warning system operated by the Environment Agency as well as the perceived response to a major flooding incident from all responding agencies.

The Plan itself covers the areas of:-

• Definition of the Flood Warning Codes
• How and to whom flood warnings are disseminated
• The roles and responsibilities of responding agencies including local authorities
• How a flooding incident would be managed by responding agencies
• The use of Military Aid as an additional resource
• Details of financial assistance available to local authorities in dealing with a major flooding incident
• The individual response arrangements of each local authority pertaining to a major flooding incident including identifying their ‘areas at risk’ of flooding
• Resources available both locally and nationally.

In producing this Plan the Emergency Planning Unit has sought advice and guidance from external agencies including the Environment Agency and local authorities.

For more information: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk