Southwark (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Bermondsey in Southwark is the UK’s most at-risk area for flooding, with homes at risk expected to soar by 90% over the next 15 years.
The percentage of properties at danger of flooding in Bermondsey and Old Southwark is expected to climb by 92% over the next 25 years, the greatest increase of any parliamentary constituency in the nation, according to a worrying analysis released by insurance giant Aviva. The northern parts of the borough, from South Bank to Rotherhithe, are included in the constituency.
Overall, London is home to seven of the constituencies most at danger of abandonment due to floods, including three in Southwark: Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, where the number of buildings at risk has increased by 73%, and Peckham, where 46% of the properties are at risk.
With a risk of 65 percent, Battersea, West Ham, Beckton, Limehouse, Poplar, Erith, and Thamesmead are the other London constituencies that make the top 20.
The investigation of the insurance sector in each parliamentary seat in England, Scotland, and Wales served as the foundation for the Aviva research.
The number of households in England that are at risk of flooding is expected to rise from 6.3 million to 8 million, a 25 percent increase.
Jason Storah, the CEO of Aviva, described the findings as “stark”, and added:
“Millions more properties could be at risk from flooding, with rising temperatures, increased urbanisation and inadequate drainage exacerbating the risks in future.”
However, sounding a note of optimism, he continued:
“Despite the findings in our report, it is not too late to act. There is excellent work already underway across the UK, with owners, guardians, communities and councils working together to protect some of our most iconic places.
There are solutions – big and small – which could help to improve the UK’s climate-readiness if we take collaborative and urgent action.
Continued investment in flood defences, preventing unprotected new homes in flood zones, encouraging low-cost property resilience measures, and attracting more investment in nature-based solutions will help to mitigate the damage inflicted by a changing climate in future.
By taking vital steps now, we can help safeguard millions of properties and protect important landmarks from climate impacts in the decades to come.”
How can Bermondsey homeowners make properties flood‑resilient?
Take advantage of flood doors, barriers and self-closing air bricks to restrict floodwaters from getting into the property. You can also stop backflow of water by installing non-return valves in the drain pipes. Flood-proof seals on doors and windows will also limit entry points.
Use flood resilient materials on the walls and floors which can endure wateDan exposure without major damage – examples are tiled floors or waterproof wall finishes. Raising electrical sockets and utilities above expected flood levels will limit damage and safety risks.
Manage gardens and outdoor areas to reroute water away from buildings, including permeable surfaces, rain gardens and rainwater harvesting systems to reduce surface runoffs.