Is YOUR hometown at risk? Terrifying map reveals the towns and cities across England that could be plunged underwater by 2050 – wiping out 8 million properties
It looks like something from a horror movie.
But a new report has warned that up to eight million properties in towns and cities across England could be under water by 2050.
According to Aviva, by mid-century 3.2 million properties will be exposed to coastal and river flooding due to heavy rains, storm surges and high tides.
Meanwhile, 6.1 million properties across the country could be devastated by flash floods; Millions of unfortunate Britons could be at risk from both types of flooding.
This is terrible news for people in Bermondsey and Old Southwark, the UK’s worst-hit constituency; 90 percent of the houses here are expected to be flooded by 2050.
Jason Storah, CEO of Aviva UK and Ireland General Insurance, said: ‘The findings are clear.
‘Millions more properties could be at risk of flooding in the future due to rising temperatures, increased urbanization and poor drainage, exacerbating risks further.’
So is your hometown in the line of fire? Use our interactive map below to find out.
It looks like something from a horror movie. But a new report has revealed that up to eight million properties in towns and cities across England could be under water by 2050. Image: Pulborough in West Sussex was flooded in March this year
As climate change continues to warm the planet, floods will become more frequent and more severe, especially along coasts and riverbanks.
Aviva predicts that the number of properties at risk of coastal and river flooding in England will increase by over 25 per cent between now and 2050, from 6.3 million to eight million, with one in four homes at risk.
This means most properties in some constituencies could be flooded by mid-century.
This is bad news for people in Boston and Skegness, where Aviva predicts 89.9 per cent of properties will be at risk of flooding by 2050.
Similarly, in Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham and Kingston upon Hull East, more than 80 per cent of properties could be flooded.
While some towns have already gotten used to the danger of flooding, in the future, other once high and dry areas will need to get used to regular flooding.
For example, people in Bedford must be prepared for more regular flooding as the number of properties at risk is set to increase by over 200 per cent over the next 25 years.
Aviva also predicts a sharp increase in the number of properties vulnerable to devastating flooding caused by periods of heavy rainfall.
Research carried out by Aviva, a major property insurer, found there will be major increases in the risk of river and coastal floods as climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
This is particularly concerning because these floods will hit areas that have not had to deal with flooding in the past.
As a result, 83 percent of properties at risk of surface flooding are unprotected.
In eight constituencies, more than half of all properties will be at risk of surface water flooding by 2050.
The situation is particularly bleak for residents of Kensington and Bayswater, where 44,439 homes, accounting for 73.7 per cent of all properties in the area, could be inundated by flash flooding.
People living in Vauxhall and Camberwell Green will not be much better off; 70.5 percent of properties are expected to be at risk of flooding.
Aviva’s research found that urban areas will be particularly at risk because hard surfaces such as pavements and roads prevent rainwater from draining.
The 10 constituencies with the highest proportion of properties at risk of surface water flooding by 2050 are all in Greater London.
Mr Storah says: ‘Changing climate is already affecting us and we will likely need to learn to live with extreme weather in the future. ‘It’s crucial to adapt our properties and infrastructure.’
The number of properties at risk from flash floods is expected to reach 6.1 million between 2040 and 2060. Many of the worst-hit areas are in London
The risks of surface water flooding will also increase, especially in urban environments such as London, where hard surfaces prevent water from flowing away. Image: Flooding in Queen’s Park in London in 2022
Although climate change is undeniably making these risks more severe, Aviva’s report also points to poor planning as the source of major flood risks in the UK.
In the last 10 years, 111,000 new homes were built in areas at highest risk of flooding; This corresponds to one in every 13 new homes.
If this trend continues, Aviva predicts that 115,000 of the 1.5 million new homes planned by the Government will be built in the highest risk areas.
At the same time, critical flood protection assets in many regions are aging and in poor condition.
Aviva’s report warns that the scale and severity of flood damage is likely to increase unless investment is stepped up and long-term planning is undertaken.
Mr Storah concludes: ‘To make the UK climate ready, we call for urgent, collective action to ensure we can reduce the risks we all face.’
